Does Phosphatidylserine Work For Dementia?

Answer

Hello and thanks for your question! Phosphatidylserine (sometimes referred to as 'PS') is a very popular over-the-counter supplement that is used for a variety of indications, including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, age-related cognitive decline, ADHD, depression, and exercise-induced muscle soreness, just to name a few.

In regard to whether or not it works, or my overall thoughts on it, it's always a challenge to evaluate natural products/supplements simply due to the lack of high-quality, controlled, properly conducted clinical trials.

Having said that, phosphatidylserine does have some positive evidence of benefit in individuals with dementia, is well-tolerated with few reported side effects, and appears to have a low risk of serious, clinically relevant drug interactions (as far as we know). 

Based on all available information, it seems to be a relatively safe supplement to use. Be sure to let your doctor know, of course, if you plan on starting to supplement with it.

In the next sections, I'll provide some more detail on phosphatidylserine.

What Is Phosphatidylserine?

Phosphatidylserine is naturally occurring in our body and is classified as a phospholipid. It is a component of the cell membrane, found in high amounts in the brain, and myelin (the insulating layer around nerves that is vitally important to nerve conduction/signaling).

It is important to note that the majority of phosphatidylserine supplement products are derived from soy or cabbage, but it is possible they are bovine-related. It depends on the product, so be sure to check accordingly (especially if you try to avoid animal-derived products).

How Does Phosphatidylserine Work For Dementia?

It is not definitively known how phosphatidylserine supplementation could work for treating dementia or related conditions, but it may support an increase in certain neurotransmitters in the brain, as well as the normalization of the phospholipids in the brain/neurons.

Studies suggest that those with dementia or age-related memory impairment have abnormalities in neuronal membranes, which in turn alters cell signaling and concentrations of neurotransmitters, all of which can affect cognitive function.

For example, individuals with cognitive dysfunction very often have changes in the number of neurotransmitters in the brain, including:

• Acetylcholine
• Norepinephrine
• Serotonin levels

Additionally, it has been theorized that a decline in neuron function is due to changes in the lipid composition of the brain, of which, a large component is phosphatidylserine. There have been a number of animal studies that show levels of phosphatidylserine in the brain decline with age. Therefore, supplementation with phosphatidylserine might then normalize brain lipid content and return neuronal function to normal.

Does Phosphatidylserine Work? What Do Studies Say?

As mentioned at the beginning of this answer, it's typically very difficult to say one way or the other if a supplement is an effective treatment for a given condition due to the lack of studies. Phosphatidylserine does have some positive evidence behind it though.

A small number of studies have noted improvements in memory, attention, and overall cognition in individuals with age-related cognitive decline. One study concluded:

Statistically significant improvements in the phosphatidylserine-treated group compared to placebo were observed both in terms of behavioral and cognitive parameters. In addition, clinical evaluation and laboratory tests demonstrated that BC-PS was well tolerated. These results are clinically important since the patients were representative of the geriatric population commonly met in clinical practice

Another study had the following to say:

Analysis of clinical subgroups suggested that persons within the sample who performed at a relatively low level prior to treatment were most likely to respond to BC-PS. Within this subgroup, there was improvement on both computerized and standard neuropsychological performance tests, and also on clinical global ratings of improvement. The results suggest that the compound may be a promising candidate for treating memory loss in later life.

Interestingly enough, in 2003, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that it would allow a qualified health claim, a very uncommon occurrence (you typically see over-the-counter supplements state that they are not intended to treat or cure disease) stating that consuming phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of developing age-related cognitive decline.

The FDA did require an additional statement be made as well though, that there is very little scientific evidence supporting the claim. They allowed the following statement on a PS supplement:

Consumption of phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. Very limited and preliminary scientific research suggests that phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. FDA concludes that there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim.

Is Phosphatidylserine Safe?

Studies show that phosphatidylserine is well tolerated, with few individuals experiencing side effects.

The most commonly reported side effects are:

• Flatulence (i.e., gas)
• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Insomnia (only with higher doses)

Similarly, there have been no reported drug interactions with phosphatidylserine. Theoretically though, since phosphatidylserine may increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, when used with other drugs that do the same (e.g. Aricept), there could be additive side effects (e.g. mouth-watering, diarrhea, nausea, etc...). This drug interaction is theoretical and has not been seen in any study that I have seen.

Does Phosphatidylserine Go By Different Names?

Phosphatidylserine is known by several names, including:

• BC-PS
• Bovine Cortex Phosphatidylserine
• Fosfatidilserina
• LECI-PS
• Lecithin Phosphatidylserine
• Phosphatidylsérine
• Phosphatidylsérine Bovine
• Phosphatidylsérine de Soya
• Phosphatidyl Serine
• PS
• PtdSer
• Soy-PS
• Soy Phosphatidylserine

There are a number of companies that manufacture phosphatidylserine supplements, including:

• Thorne Research
• GNC
• Jarrow Formulas
• Bulk Supplements
• Natural Factors
• NOW
• Ortho Molecular Products
• Pure Supplements

Final Words

I hope you found this answer helpful.

Overall, phosphatidylserine seems safe to use and may have some positive benefits in individuals. Be sure to let your doctor know if you plan on adding it to your medication regimen so you can be properly monitored.

Thanks again!