27-30 March 2004 - Warwick - British Dyslexia Association

Dyslexia - The Dividends from Research to Policy and Practice

This is the 6th International Conference organised by the BDA. It is focused on presenting the latest research, whilst looking at best practice for teachers, psychologists, learning support assistants, policymakers and relevant others.

Dr Alex Richardson of FAB Research will be giving three different presentations:

Sunday 28th March (Session 14.00-15.40 - Poster presentation)

FATTY ACID STATUS AND VISUAL SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS WITH DYSLEXIA

E.Cyhlarova, and A.J.Richardson.
University Lab. of Physiology, Oxford.

Evidence from experimental and treatment studies suggests that deficiencies in certain highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) may contribute to some of the clinical features of dyslexia in both children and adults. The possible mechanisms involved are not yet known, but existing research has established that (a) omega-3 HUFA are essential for normal brain development and function and are particularly important in the visual system (b) impairments of visual processing are often associated with dyslexia, and (c) mild physical signs of fatty acid deficiency correlate with self-report measures of visual symptoms in dyslexic adults. The hypothesis tested in this study was that visual symptoms in dyslexic adults would vary as a function of their fatty acid status.
Fatty acid status was assessed in 32 dyslexic adults and 25 matched controls via and blood biochemical analyses (fatty acid composition of red cell membranes), who also completed self-report measures of visual and other symptoms associated with dyslexia. Associations between visual symptoms and concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in red cell membranes were explored using correlational analyses both within and across groups. In the dyslexic group only, high concentrations of arachidonic acid (a key omega-6 fatty acid found in meat and dairy produce) were significantly associated with visual symptoms when reading; and in both groups, a very strong negative correlation was found between omega-3 and omega-6 concentrations. These results are consistent with the idea that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may help some dyslexic adults, although controlled treatment trials to investigate this possibility are still in progress.

Monday 29th March (Session 09.50-11.05 - Oral presentation)

RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIALS OF FATTY ACID TREATMENT IN DYSLEXIA AND RELATED CONDITIONS: A REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE.

A.J.Richardson(1), E.Cyhlarova(1), P.Montgomery(2)
(1) University Lab. of Physiology, Oxford; (2) University of Oxford Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Mounting evidence indicates that mild abnormalities of fatty acid metabolism may contribute to a range of common and overlapping neurodevelopmental disorders including dyslexia, attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). This has raised the possibility that treatment with fatty acids could help to alleviate some of the associated behavioural and learning difficulties. This proposal can only properly be investigated via randomised controlled trials (RCT), although in practice these are complicated by many factors, notably the heterogeneity and multi-factorial nature of these behaviourally-defined conditions.
The evidence from RCTs published to date is reviewed and evaluated here. Most have involved children selected for ADHD and/or dyslexia, although the first RCT involving dyspraxic children is approaching completion and studies of ASD are underway. In interpreting the available evidence, attention is given to key aspects of study design, including the populations and outcome measures selected, and the nature and dosage of treatments used. Findings suggest that fatty acid treatment may benefit at least some individuals with these conditions, but further research is still needed to clarify both the underlying mechanisms behind such benefits and the best predictors of a good treatment response.

Monday 29th March (Session 11.35-12.50 - Workshop)

NUTRITIONAL APPROACHES TO THE MANAGEMENT OF DYSLEXIA AND RELATED CONDITIONS

A.J.Richardson(1), E.Cyhlarova(1), P.Montgomery(2).

(1) University Lab. of Physiology, Oxford, (2) University Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Oxford.

Dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are defined by different core features but show substantial overlap within individuals and co-occur within families, suggesting shared elements at the level of biological predisposition. Research suggests that some aspects of these conditions might respond to nutritional treatments. The purpose of this review is to explore this evidence and its practical implications.
Anecdotal evidence has long suggested that dietary supplementation with certain key fatty acids might help in managing these conditions. These include the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil (EPA and DHA) and possibly an omega-6 fatty acid (GLA) provided by evening primrose oil. To date, few properly controlled trials of fatty acid treatment have been published, but preliminary evidence from these studies is encouraging. Biochemical evidence also suggests that attention to other aspects of nutrition such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may be helpful, and food allergies or intolerances have been clearly shown to affect behaviour in some children. Most research in these areas has focused on ADHD-type difficulties, but in dyslexia too this issue merits systematic investigation.
Nutritional intervention cannot be expected to help all individuals with dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD, but certain clinical features may help to identify those who respond best to this approach, and with proper professional guidance this is a safe treatment option with many general health benefits. Further research is clearly needed, but meanwhile, some useful practical guidance on nutritional management can already be offered to parents, teachers, health professionals and individuals affected by these conditions.