Methods of assessing future memory loss by measuring polyunsaturated fatty acids

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods of determining if a subject has an increased risk of suffering from memory impairment. The methods comprise determining the influx of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into the brain from plasma in a test subject and comparing this measured influx to a normal standard influx. An increase in influx of PUFAs from the plasma into the brain is indicative that the subject has an increased risk of suffering from memory impairment compared to a normal individual.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A method of determining if a subject has suffered a brain injury, the method comprising
 a) determining the influx of at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) from plasma into the brain of the subject, and   b) comparing the subject's measured influx with a normal influx to determine if the subject's influx is increased compared to a normal influx,   wherein an increase in the subject's influx over normal influx is indicative that the subject has suffered a brain injury.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the brain injury is selected from the group consisting of a concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI) 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one PUFA is a labeled PUFA that is administered to the subject. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one PUFA is selected from the group consisting of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one PUFA is an essential PUFA. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the essential PUFA is selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA). 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the methods measure the influx of two, three or four PUFAs. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the PUFAs are labeled PUFAs that are administered to the subject. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the labeled PUFAs are linoleic acid (LA) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA). 
     
     
         18 . A method of monitoring the progression of a treatment for memory impairment or brain injury in a subject, the method comprising
 a) determining the influx of at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) from plasma into the brain of the subject at two or more time points to determine the influx at each time point, and   b) comparing the values of the subject's influx of the at least one PUFA over time to determine if the subject's influx of the at least one PUFA is changing over time,   wherein a decrease in the influx of the at least one PUFA over time is indicative that the treatment for memory impairment or brain injury is effective in treating memory impairment or brain injury in the subject.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the brain injury is selected from the group consisting of a concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI). 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the memory impairment is mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one PUFA is a labeled PUFA that is administered to the subject. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one PUFA is selected from the group consisting of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the at least one PUFA is an essential PUFA. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the essential PUFA is selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA). 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the methods measure the influx of two, three or four PUFAs. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the PUFAs are labeled PUFAs that are administered to the subject. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the labeled PUFAs are linoleic acid (LA) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA).