Phosphatidylserine For Memory, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Memory enhancement is one of the goals that is common among users of Phosphatidylserine supplements.

A number of studies have found that this natural compound can boost memory performance in healthy individuals while also being used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Phosphatidylserine may further promote improvements in other cognitive functions such as reasoning, concentration, learning, stress and mood.

It is safe for long-term use and can contribute to maintaining a healthier brain as you age.

How should one use Phosphatidylserine for memory and what is the research behind how this nutrient works?

Phosphatidylserine

Mood Supplement

Memory

Neuron Function

Mood

How It Works:

• Supports memory function & cognition
• Boosts neuron health & communication
• May improve mood, sleep & relaxation

Dosage:

Between 100 - 500 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Review of Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is considered to be a phospholipid compound.

From a structural standpoint, this means it is a type of lipid or fat with one or more phosphate groups attached, possibly also having a glycerol bond.

Phospholipids are an important class of substances because they are the major structural component of most biological membranes. In other words, all of the cells in your body contain phospholipids to ensure healthy functioning of various biological and neurological systems.

Phosphatidylserine is believed to make up a significant portion of our brain neuron cells (as much as 10 percent). When there is a deficit of phospholipids in the brain and body, it can compromise normal cell functions that involve the transportation of nutrients into the cell and of waste products out of the cell.

Phospholipids essentially act as gate-keepers for your cells by forming healthy membrane walls to protect the inner structures of a cell. They ultimately control what comes in and what goes out of the cell.

Supplementing with Phosphatidylserine helps to ensure that cell membrane walls remain fluid and do not become overly rigid which could then interfere with a host of bodily functions. This is true as far as physical and biological materials and it also plays a vital role in the critical chemical communications which occur between cells, especially neurons.

If brain cells become less fluid, it impairs their ability to communicate with one another, form connections called synapses and store memories or perform reasoning functions. Higher levels of phospholipids can enhance neuroplasticity in the brain which then sets the stage for better memory functioning.

How Does Phosphatidylserine Work?

There are several ways in which Phosphatidylserine is thought to work, although certain mechanisms of action are viewed as the most important.

After being ingested from foods or supplements, this compound is capable of crossing over the blood-brain barrier and then entering directly into the central nervous system, where it produces most of its known effects. This includes improving the efficiency of various brain cell operations including the metabolization of glucose for energy.

Phosphatidylserine also improves cell-to-cell communication by increasing the number of receptor sites on neuronal membranes. These receptor sites for various neurotransmitters are very important since they are the primary way in which messages are sent throughout the brain.

Phosphatidylserine shows further benefits for signal transduction in brain cell membranes as well as regulation of proper cell growth and maintenance. Much of this is driven by the fact that it modulates the fluidity of cell membranes, improving their overall ability to send and receive chemical communications.

With healthier brain cells comes better performance across a variety of mental performance tests, of which long-term and short-term memory are key components.

Phosphatidylserine is also observed to increase acetylcholine release in certain parts of the brain. Acetylcholine is one of the most pivotal neurotransmitters for working memory, analytical abilities, and being able to maintain focus.

By increasing the availability of this neurotransmitter, Phosphatidylserine acts as a broad-range cognitive enhancer that increases overall neuroplasticity.

Acetylcholine is one of the neurotransmitters that may be involved with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Patients diagnosed with forms of memory loss are often found to have lower levels of this brain chemical as well as damage in their cholinergic neurons.

To the extent that Phosphatidylserine can slow or reverse this process, it may be able to improve memory formation and recall in patients with impaired cognitive abilities.

A number of studies have shown that these effects on memory are more pronounced in older people and those who already have some cognitive deficits. This is also a major finding in user reviews whereby many individuals say it helps to dramatically boost their ability to remember new and old information.

Finally, Phosphatidylserine also stimulates the production of Dopamine which not only is associated with being in a better mood, it can also lead to enhanced concentration and motivation.

Additional Benefits

Not all of Phosphatidylserine’s benefits have to do with memory and the brain. This natural compound also is known to improve exercise capacity and athletic performance.

Researchers have determined that Phosphatidylserine may help to decrease muscle soreness after a workout or other physical activity. It is also thought to protect against the increase in levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that is connected with heavy training.

There is also evidence, although preliminary, showing promise for this supplement as a treatment for depression and the lowering of stress and anxiety levels. Most of these tests, which did indicate an anti-depressive effect, were performed on rat models, so more research and human trials are clearly needed.

There was also one study which indicates this supplement might be effective in treating children with ADHD.

Dosages for Memory Enhancement

Most experts suggest taking this supplement between one to four times per day, depending upon your personal needs and condition. The typical dosage range can be anywhere from 200 to 4,000 mg per day.

Certainly this is a wide range, so first it can be helpful to determine your lowest effective dose and begin with that. Only increase once you are fully familiar with all the effects. Most healthy adults will see positive effects between 400 to 1,200 mg a day.

For individuals who are already experiencing memory loss or other forms of cognitive decline, a larger dosage may be necessary. For the best results with Phosphatidylserine for memory improvements, try a nootropic stack like Alpha Brain that combines this ingredient with other memory boosters such as Alpha GPC, Bacopa Monnieri and Vinpocetine.

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