Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid found in cell membranes, especially in the brain. It helps nerve cells communicate, supports neurotransmitter release, and maintains healthy brain function. Research suggests it may support memory, focus, and executive function as we age. Click here to read more about healthy brain function.
TL;DR
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2013 study: 300 mg/day of PS improved memory, recall, and executive function in older adults with memory complaints, and also lowered blood pressure.
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Newer studies (2022–2025): Clinical trials and meta-analyses confirm benefits for short-term memory, recall, and attention in older adults and those with mild cognitive decline.
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Mechanism: PS helps stabilize brain cell membranes and reduce inflammation.
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Practical note: Typical research doses are 100–300 mg/day for 6–24 weeks.
The 2013 Study
An exploratory trial published in Clinical Interventions in Aging (2013;8:557–563) followed 30 adults aged 50–90 with memory complaints.
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Participants took 300 mg of PS daily for 12 weeks.
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Results showed significant improvements in:
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Memory recall and recognition
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Executive functions
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Mental flexibility
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Total learning and immediate recall
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Blood pressure also dropped — both systolic and diastolic.
The authors concluded that PS supplementation may have favorable effects on cognition in older adults with memory complaints, but called for more research.
Newer Research on Phosphatidylserine (2022–2025)
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Pilot RCT – Soy-derived PS in older adults with memory complaints
→ Showed improvements in memory and attention after 12 weeks of supplementation.
Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2023 – PMC10195946 -
Meta-analysis of PS on cognitive function in the elderly
→ Found PS supplementation (100–300 mg/day, 6–24 weeks) improved memory in older adults with cognitive decline.
Systematic review & meta-analysis, 2022 – ResearchGate -
Mechanistic review – PS, inflammation, and neurodegeneration
→ PS shown to improve cognition and reduce neuroinflammation in aging, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s models.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2022 -
Overview on functionality and safety of PS
→ Summarizes clinical studies on age-related memory impairment, PS sources (soy vs marine), and safety.
Food Quality and Safety, 2023 – ScienceDirect -
Supplement trial – PS in mild cognitive impairment
→ A 2024/25 study on a food supplement containing PS showed improved short-term memory in MCI patients.
Journal of Affective Disorders, 2024 – ScienceDirect
Why It Matters
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Cognitive aging: Declines in recall, executive function, and attention are common with age. PS may help preserve these abilities.
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Blood pressure link: The 2013 study’s reduction in blood pressure suggests potential cardiovascular effects, though this finding hasn’t been widely replicated yet.
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Source & safety: Today’s PS is usually derived from soybeans or other plant sources (instead of older bovine brain cortex). Clinical studies find it generally safe at 100–300 mg/day.
Related Topics:
Brain Health, ADHD, Depression & Cognition: The Role of Inflammation, Stress & the Gut–Brain Axis
FAQ
Q: What is phosphatidylserine?
It’s a phospholipid concentrated in brain cell membranes, critical for cell signaling and neurotransmitter function.
Q: How much was used in studies?
Most research uses 100–300 mg/day, usually for 6–24 weeks.
Q: Does PS improve memory?
Yes, studies show improvements in memory recall, recognition, attention, and executive function, particularly in older adults with memory complaints.
Q: Is plant-derived PS effective?
Yes. Modern studies use soybean-derived PS and show benefits comparable to older formulations.
Q: Is phosphatidylserine safe?
Yes, at standard research doses it’s considered safe, though people should consult doctors trained in natural healthcare before starting supplementation.
Q: What is phosphatidylserine? It’s a phospholipid found in high concentrations in the brain, important for cell signaling and membrane integrity.
Q: How much was used in the study? 300 mg per day for 12 weeks.
Q: Does phosphatidylserine improve memory? This small study showed improvements in recall, recognition, and executive function, but larger trials are needed to confirm.
Q: Are there other benefits? The same study also showed reduced blood pressure, though that was a secondary finding.
Q: Should I take phosphatidylserine for memory? It may help, but evidence is limited. Consider consulting a doctor trained in natural healthcare.
