The invention relates to compositions comprising unsaturated fatty acids and nitric oxide releasing compounds and use thereof for enhancing cognitive and related functions. The invention relates to compositions comprising one or more unsaturated fatty acids and one or more nitpc oxide releasing compounds, and methods for using such compositions for enhancing cognitive function, reducing or preventing a decline of social interaction, reducing or preventing age-related behavioral changes, increasing trainabihty, maintaining optimal brain function, facilitating learning and memory, reducing memory loss, retarding brain aging, preventing or treating strokes, and preventing or treating dementia in an animal. Preferably, the compositions are food compositions useful for enhancing cognitive function in humans and companion animals.