Dyslexia & Pufa

Supurvised by: Dr. Insaf Done by: Dina K.S.A

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that mainly affects reading and spelling. (1) It's often associated with similar conditions such as dyspraxia (difficulty coordinating and organising thoughts and movements) and dyscalculia (difficulty handling numbers).(2)

It is characterized by difficulties in: • processing word-sounds • weaknesses in short-term verbal memory • mathematics ability • concentration • personal organisation • speed of processing information • coordination and ability to think or do things in the right order (sequencing). • its effects may be seen in spoken language as well as written language (2)

Dyslexic children's difficulties may become apparent when they begin to learn to read. However, many children show signs of dyslexia before they learn to read. They may be unexpectedly clumsy, or have problems concentrating. There may also be dyslexia in the family. (3)

• Clear differences in the way the brain is wired up during development have been found in dyslexics.  These may result from abnormalities in a particular class of ‘magnocellular’ nerve cell; due to inheriting genes that make them vulnerable to immune factors during development of the brain and to deficiency of essential 'omega-3' fatty acids. (4)

• have hearing problems (like an ear infection) during learning time:  could affect their language abilities.  Could affect their ability to pick up reading skills. • visual problems (such as unstable or blurred vision) can confuse children and make reading very difficult. • some children have problems translating letters into the sounds they stand for, and thence into their meaning.(4)

The central nervous system is highly enriched in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) of the omega-6 and omega-3 series. The presence of these fatty acids as structural components of neuronal membranes influences cellular function both directly, through :  effects on membrane properties  and by acting as a precursor pool for lipidderived messengers. An adequate intake of omega-3 PUFA is essential for optimal visual function and neural development. (5)

Studies:

A 5-month open study with longchain polyunsatu rated fatty acids in dyslexia.(6) Lindmark et al, 2007

pilot study investigated effects of a (DHA)rich supplement on learning ability in a group of 20 dyslexic children in Sweden.

• Children formally diagnosed as dyslexic took eight capsules per day of (LC-PUFA) supplement containing high-DHA fish oil and evening primrose oil. • Subjective assessments by the children and their parents were completed at baseline and 6, 12, and 20 weeks after supplementation. Quantitative evaluation by word-chain test was completed before and after 4 months of supplementation to measure (speed of reading) & (motoric-perceptual speed).

Significant improvements were observed in reading speed and motor-perceptual velocity. • Thirteen of 17 children had a significant improvement on the word-chain test (P < .04). • Reading speed improved by 60% from 1.76 +/0.29 before the study to 2.82 +/- 0.36 after supplementation (P < .01). • Motoric-perceptual velocity improved by 23% from a stanine value of 3.76 +/- 0.42 to 4.65 +/0.66 after supplementation (P < .05 by).

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Dietary Supplementatio n With Fatty Acids in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder (7)

Alexandra J. et al, 2005

• A randomized, controlled trial of dietary supplementation with -3 and -6 fatty acids, compared with placebo, was conducted with 117 children with DCD (5–12 years of age). • Treatment for 3 months in parallel groups was followed by a 1-way crossover from placebo to active treatment for an additional 3 months.

• No effect of treatment on motor skills was apparent • but significant improvements for active treatment versus placebo were found in reading, spelling, and behavior over 3 months of treatment in parallel groups. • After the crossover, similar changes were seen in the placebo-active group, whereas children continuing with active treatment maintained or improved their progress.

Fatty acid supplementation may offer a safe efficacious treatment option for educational and behavioral problems among children with DCD.

As a matter of fact dyslexics are very intelligent and talented individuals. Here are just a few to consider. • Albert Einstein : 1921 Nobel Peace Prize winner in Physics for Theoretical Physics and Relativity • Leonardo de vinci • Muhammad ali : World Heavyweight Champion Boxer • Walt Disney : Cartoonist and creator of the Disney theme parks. (8)

(1) http://www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/Page.aspx?PageId=26 (2) http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/Dyslexia.html#3 (3)Dyslexia reaserch trust. http://www.dyslexic.org.uk/aboutdyslexia4.htm (4)Dyslexia reaserch trust. http://www.dyslexic.org.uk/aboutdyslexia2.htm (5)British nutrition fundation. http://www.nutrition.org.uk/home.asp?siteId=43§ionId=1432&subSu bSectionId=1421&subSectionId=336&parentSection=302&which=9#1935 (6)Lindmark et al, A 5-month open study with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in dyslexia. Journal of midicinal food.2007 Dec;10(4):662-6 (7)Alexandra J et al, A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Dietary Supplementation With Fatty Acids in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder. PEDIATRICS . 2005; 115 (5):1360-1366 (8) http://www.dyslexia.com/qafame.htm