Condition
    Moderate Evidence
    Effectiveness 3/5

    Phosphatidylserine for Cognitive Decline

    Phosphatidylserine showed memory benefits in age-associated cognitive decline, but most positive trials used bovine-derived material no longer sold.

    Overview

    Phosphatidylserine showed memory benefits in age-associated cognitive decline, but most positive trials used bovine-derived material no longer sold.

    Verdict

    Mixed evidence

    How It Works

    Phosphatidylserine is a key neuronal membrane phospholipid supporting receptor function, neurotransmitter release and membrane fluidity that declines with age.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    100mg 3x daily
    Expected timeframe
    12-24 weeks

    Protocol

    form
    Soy- or sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine; the original positive trials used bovine cortex-derived PS, which is no longer available over BSE concerns and plant-derived versions have performed less well
    duration
    12-24 weeks with objective cognitive testing at baseline and end
    co factor
    Take with food containing fat. Evidence is mixed: bovine-derived PS improved memory measures in older trials, but plant-derived preparations have produced smaller and less consistent effects.
    titration
    No escalation beyond 300 mg/day is supported
    starting dose
    100 mg phosphatidylserine three times daily (300 mg/day) with meals

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Older trials of bovine cortex PS reported improved memory in age-associated memory impairment. Soy-derived PS, the current commercial form, has produced weaker and less consistent results, and the FDA permits only a qualified health claim.

    Effects of phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment

    Score: 6/10
    1991
    rct
    n=149

    Crook TH, Tinklenberg J, Yesavage J +3 more

    Phosphatidylserine improved performance on memory tasks of daily life, with the largest gains in participants with the lowest baseline performance

    View source

    Phosphatidylserine and the human brain

    Score: 5/10
    2015
    systematic_review

    Glade MJ, Smith K

    Evidence for cognitive benefit derives mainly from small trials with older bovine preparations; soy-derived trials show weaker and inconsistent effects

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Phosphatidylserine does not treat dementia and must not delay assessment - reversible causes (B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, depression, medication, sleep apnoea) should be excluded, and Alzheimer disease has licensed treatments. Safety ceiling: doses above 300 mg/day are unstudied. PS may add to the bleeding risk of anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Interaction with anticholinergic and cholinergic drugs is possible. Soy-derived forms are unsuitable in soy allergy. Not established in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Mild insomnia and stomach upset occur at higher doses.

    Less likely to help if

    People with established Alzheimer disease or vascular dementia, in whom trials showed little change.

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    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.