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"Sine-wave speech" sentences contain only four frequency-modulated sine waves, lacking many acoustic cues present in natural speech. Adults with (n=19) and without (n=14) dyslexia were asked to reproduce orally sine-wave utterances in successive trials. Results suggest comprehension of sine-wave sentences is impaired in some adults with dyslexia. A reduced auditory memory capacity may contribute to this deficit. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Background. Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) affects ~5% of school-aged children. In addition to the core deficits in motor function, this condition is associated commonly with difficulties in learning, behavior, and psychosocial adjustment that persist into adulthood. Mounting evidence suggests that a relative lack of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids may contribute to related neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders such as dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Given the current lack of effective, evidence-based treatment options for DCD, the use of fatty acid supplements merits investigation. Methods. A randomized, controlled trial of dietary supplementation with [omega]-3 and [omega]-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. Results. 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. Conclusions. Fatty acid supplementation may offer a safe efficacious treatment option for educational and behavioral problems among children with DCD. Additional work is needed to investigate whether our inability to detect any improvement in motor skills reflects the measures used and to assess the durability of treatment effects on behavior and academic progress. Pediatrics 2005;115:1360-1366; developmental coordination disorder, fish oil, supplementation, RCT, reading, spelling, behavior, omega-3 fatty acids, dyspraxia., ABBREVIATIONS. ADHD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; DCD, developmental coordination disorder; DSM-IV, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition; CTRS-L, Conners' Teacher Rating Scales, Long Version. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential [...]

Reports on the use of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the treatment of unipolar depression in a 21-year-old male student with a 7-year history of unremitting depressive symptoms. Clinical status of the patient; Administration of ethyl-EPA; Adverse effect of EPA.