Phosphatidylserine for Memory Loss

Phosphatidylserine may modestly help everyday memory lapses in older adults, though effect sizes are small and formulation-dependent.

Overview

Phosphatidylserine may modestly help everyday memory lapses in older adults, though effect sizes are small and formulation-dependent.

Verdict

Mixed evidence

How It Works

PS maintains neuronal membrane integrity and supports acetylcholine release and nerve growth factor signalling in the hippocampus.

Dosing & Protocol

Typical dose

Recommended dose: 100 mg phosphatidylserine three times daily (300 mg/day) with meals
Expected timeframe: 8-12 weeks

Protocol

form: Sunflower- or soy-derived phosphatidylserine
duration: 12 weeks, tracking specific lapses rather than a vague impression
co factor: Take with food containing fat for absorption. Evidence is mixed: age-associated memory impairment trials showed modest recall improvement, largely with the discontinued bovine-derived form.
titration: Build to 100 mg three times daily with meals; there is no support for exceeding 300 mg/day
starting dose: 100 mg with breakfast for the first week

Evidence

What the studies say

Trials in adults with subjective memory complaints report improved name-face recall and delayed recall versus placebo. Studies are small, several are industry-funded, and soy-derived PS underperforms the bovine material used in the earliest work.

Phosphatidylserine containing omega-3 fatty acids may improve memory abilities in non-demented elderly with memory complaints: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Score: 6/10

2010

rct

n=157

Vakhapova V, Cohen T, Richter Y +2 more

PS-DHA improved immediate and delayed verbal recall in the subgroup with higher baseline cognitive status; overall group differences were not significant

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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

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Soybean-derived phosphatidylserine improves memory function of the elderly Japanese subjects with memory complaints

Score: 5/10

2010

rct

n=78

Kato-Kataoka A, Sakai M, Ebina R +3 more

Memory scores improved in the 100 mg group, particularly delayed verbal recall, in participants with relatively low baseline memory

View source

Safety

Caveats

Memory lapses that progress, affect daily function or worry family need medical assessment - do not self-treat possible dementia. Check B12, thyroid function, sleep quality, alcohol intake and medications first. Safety ceiling: above 300 mg/day is unstudied. May add to bleeding risk with anticoagulants and antiplatelets, and interacts theoretically with cholinergic drugs. Avoid soy-derived forms in soy allergy. Not established in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Less likely to help if

People whose lapses stem from sleep deprivation, stress, depression or alcohol - the cause has to change.

Medical Disclaimer

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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.