Recent research findings by the U.S. National Eye Institute (NEI) appear to show that a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, or indeed any other nutritional supplements, are of little benefit when trying to slow natural mental decline. However, it is worth noting that the study used less than a third of the amount of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) that other researchers recommend. Also, it is crucial to see neurogenesis from the entire holistic approach of body, heart, mind and spirit. Certain things stimulate new brain cells to be born but many of them die quickly without the addition of other things (e.g. hesperidin) to keep them alive.
This recent study is unfortunate because many people will only see the the headlines in the popular press and not realise the science behind it is questionable. Some research projects often use doses of supplements that are too small to make a difference in nutritional studies and then seem surprised about the lack of effect.
See my interview with Dr Brant Cortright, professor of psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. In the interview Brant chats about the effectiveness of so called superfoods, as well as the need to have a holistic approach to neurogenesis encompassing mind, body, heart and spirit.