Block 4 Democracy
Current Events
Story #1: Fatty Acid Found in Fish Protects Brain Against Alzheimer’s
Source: The Almagest
Author: Kriss Moore
URL: http://www.thealmagest.com/fatty-acid-found-fish-protects-brain-alzheimers/9842
Story #2: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Prevent Alzheimer’s in the Elderly
Source: Science World Report
Author: Vanishree Bhatt
URL: http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/12584/20140201/fish-oil-omega-3-fatty-acids-brain-cells.htm
Story #3: Fish Oil Craze Wiping Out Rare Shark
Source: Food Poisoning Bulletin
Author: Linda Larsen
URL: http://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2014/fish-oil-craze-wiping-out-rare-shark/
How have each of the three sources covered the story? How are they similar? How are they different?
Each of the three sources covered the story thoroughly, but stories 1 and 2 took a different stance on increased omega-3 consumption. Both of these sources cited the American Academy of Neurology, and Professor James Pottala of the University of South Dakota. Both sources also detailed the experiment done by Pottala; he took “1,111 post-menopausal women with an average age of 70 years from Women's Health Initiative Memory Study”(Bhatt). 8 years later the women were given an MRI and only source 2 covered the results: 0.7% had a larger brain volume and 2.7% saw an increase of the hippocampus, and area “that is associated with learning and memory” (Bhatt). These sources talk about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in ones diet, stopping brain shrinkage in women and increasing overall brain health. This action could help memory loss and prevent Alzheimer’s. Source one also mentioned the oil could “reduce the risk of heart disease” (Moore). Both sources also mentioned 2 of the best sources of omega-3, “docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)” (Moore). They also gave examples of where these acids are found: salmon, kiwi, walnuts, sardines, tuna and herring. Source 3