Phosphatidylserine for Improved Memory

By Alissa B Daschbach MA BS BA MH

Phosphatidylserine (PS) has multiple functions in the human body, including cell signaling and promoting the breakdown of old cells that need to be removed from the body. PS may also help promote cognitive functioning while protecting the brain from declining symptoms caused by aging. BrainPower utilizes the powerful benefits of phosphatidylserine as it works to provide essential nutrients to support the function of neurons while improving memory function and neuroplasticity. 

Phosphatidylserine: Benefits and Functions

Benefits of Phosphatidylserine include:

• Facilitates learning and memory processes
• Increases acetylcholine (learning neurotransmitter) levels
• Increases dopamine levels in certain parts of the brain
• Improves memory function in mild cases of age-related decline
• Preserves cognitive performance 

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a naturally occurring biological substance known as a phospholipid that is found in all of the cells of the human body. A phospholipid is made up of two layers that attract and repel water. These chemical interactions allow the biological membrane to form two neat parallel layers which work to let in essential nutrients, oxygen, and water while letting out biological waste products. Because phosphatidylserine supports the integrity of brain cells, this nutrient keeps out toxins and other pathogens from the brain. 

Phosphatidylserine is an essential nutrient needed for maintaining healthy brain cells. PS helps to contribute to the healthy functioning of cognitive processes, including memory, learning, concentration, and vocabulary skills. Other cognitive functions that PS helps to modulate are sociability, moods, and alertness. Phosphatidylserine is found in small amounts in common foods and is produced naturally in the body by biological processes.

PS Actions: Neuroplasticity, Memory Retention, and Brain Fluidity

Phosphatidylserine is an important nutrient, working to keep our bodies’ cells alive and healthy. This phospholipid helps to make up the membranes of the brain that contain fluid and assists in the quick signaling of messages sent through neurons in the brain.The neurons use phosphatidylserine to conduct nerve impulses and to preserve neuroplasticity - the ability of the brain to repair its own cells and produce new ones. Lastly, PS increases the fluidity of the brain which allows brain cells to be adaptable in their response to internal and external stressors. 

Phosphatidylserine is known in research studies as a crucial nutrient in the retention of memories in the human brain. Several clinical studies have supported the benefits of PS in the supplement’s ability to improve memory function in older people with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. For example, a study published in 2010 in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition reported significantly improved neuropsychological scores and memory scores in elderly participants with a history of memory complaints.

Supplementing with Phosphatidylserine

In the past, PS was derived from bovine cells, but concerns about “mad cow disease” stopped the production of PS supplements. The phosphatidylserine in BrainPower is derived from soybeans, specifically soybean lecithin. Therefore, you know that it is free of bovine or animal products. 

PS is safe to take at all ages and can help a variety of annoying and even disabling symptoms and conditions, such as: 

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Memory-related issues
• Attention disorders (i.e., ADHD)
• Cognitive decline related to age
• Dementia 

Supplementing with BrainPower can help raise the levels of phosphatidylserine in your brain and help improve your memory, halt or even reverse cognitive decline, and enhance overall brain health and function. Phosphatidylserine is especially abundant in the healthy human brain, however levels of this important phospholipid declines with age. Several studies have shown that elderly people who supplement with phosphatidylserine show improved cognitive function, including in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and age-associated memory impairment.

Phosphatidylserine has multiple functions, including the breakdown and removal of old cells that need to be removed from the brain. The actions of PS help promote healthy cognitive functioning and protect the declining symptoms caused by aging. Supplements that contain phosphatidylserine, like BrainPower, are valuable in their ability to protect the brain from neurodegeneration while enhancing memory and protecting the brain from dementia

Caution and Interactions

As with any supplement, consult with your physician before use to make sure it is safe for you and does not interfere with any medications you are currently taking. 

Phosphatidylserine is well-tolerated with no serious side effects to be reported. Clinical trials have shown that supplementation of phosphatidylserine in elderly people results in minimal side effects that include slightly reduced blood pressure and gastrointestinal discomfort. Phosphatidylserine derived from cow brains may cause side effects that include contracting the harmful virus, mad cow disease. BrainPower’s supplemental ingredient  phosphatidylserine is derived from vegetable substances, so there is no risk of accidentally consuming this harmful virus. 

PS may interact with blood thinners, so if you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin be sure to tell your physician to get their approval of taking the supplement. 

References

Glade, M. J., & Smith, K. (2015). Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition, 31(6):781-786. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25933483/ 

Kato-Kataoka, A., et., al. (2010). Soybean-derived phosphatidyserine improves memory function of the elderly subjects with memory complaints. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 47, 246-255. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21103034/ 

Kidd, P. M. (1996) Phosphatidylserine; Membrane nutrient for memory: A clinical and mechanistic assessment. Alternative Medicine Review, 1(2). Retrieved from GRC: https://www.grc.com/health/sleep/Phosphatidylserine-Studies.pdf 

Richter Y, Herzog Y, Cohen T, Steinhart Y. (2010). The effect of phosphatidylserine-containing omega-3 fatty acids on memory abilities in subjects with subjective memory complaints: a pilot study. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 5, 313-316. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21103402/ 

Tardner, P. (2020, August). The effects of phosphatidylserine supplementation on memory function in older people: A review of clinical literature. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, ISSN: 1735-2630. Retrieved from IJEST: https://www.ijest.org/phosphatidylserine-memory-older-people-ptardner0820/