Are there any nutrients that help PS work more effectively?
Acetyl-L-carnitine, vitamins C and E, B vitamins, magnesium, selenium, and NADH all increase the effectiveness of PS.

Memory and Recall
Memories are formed when a group of brain cells-neurons-talk to each other. Together, neurons create a memory of an event, such as where the keys are, where you put the remote control, or where you parked the car. In order for memories to be both formed and recalled, neurons must talk to each other. Without PS, such communication among neurons is difficult if not impossible. With PS, neurons communicate more effectively. That is why PS has such positive effects on memory, recall, and overall brain function.

Helping Age Related Memory Loss
As we age, most of us lose some memory function. PS may help to reverse or slow this process. [2] Seventy-five patients with age-related memory impairment were given 300 mg of PS per day for 12 weeks. PS led to improved performance tests related to learning and memory tasks of daily life. [3] Another study of thirty-three patients with dementia showed equally promising results. This 8-week study of 300 mg per day of PS showed that PS can significantly improve overall brain wellness in those with dementia. [4]

Slowing Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating ailment that destroys the memory of older adults. While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, nutrients like PS may help slow the progression and even reverse some of the symptoms of this disease. [5-7] Eighteen patients with Alzheimer's disease given 400 mg of PS per day for 6 months experienced a wide range of positive effects on memory and recall. [8] Twenty-five patients with Alzheimer's disease given 300 mg of PS for 12 weeks also saw improvements in brain function. This study also showed that PS may have the most benefit when given in early stages of Alzheimer's disease. [9]

Relieving Depression
The effects of phosphatidyl serine on cognitive, affective and behavioral symptoms were studied in a group of 10 elderly women with depressive disorders. Patients were treated with placebo for 15 days, followed by PS at 300mg/ day for 30 days. PS induced consistent improvement of depressive symptoms, memory and behavior. [l0]

How to Take PS
As with any brain-energizing nutrient, PS is best avoided near bedtime as it may prevent sleep. It is best taken before or with breakfast and lunch. If you are taking PS to treat any medical condition, or are taking medications, especially psychotropic medications, it is advisable to take PS with the guidance of your health care practitioner. PS is derived from soy, and is suitable for vegetarians. The beneficial level of intake of PS according to human research is anywhere from 100- 800 mg per day. Most studies in humans where PS has been used to optimize brain function used 300 mg of PS per day. After an initial loading phase with PS, long term supplementation at l00 mg per day may be sufficient for most adults to maintain optimal brain levels of PS.

References

1. Pepeu, G, IM Pepeu, and L. Amaducci, A review of phosphatidyl serine pharmacological and clinical effects. Is phosphatidyl serine a drug far the ageing brain? Pharmacology Res, 1996 33(2):p. 73-80

2. Lombardi, GF., [Pharmacological treatment with phosphatidyl serine of 40 ambulatory patients with senile dementia syndrome] Minerva Med, 1989. 80(6) p. 599-602

3. Crook, T.H, et al., Effects of Phosphatidyl serine in age-associated memory impairment Neurology, 1991 4115r p. 644-

4. Engel, R.R, et al., Double-blind cross-over study of Phosphatidyl serine vs. placebo in patients with early dementia of the Alzheimer type. Euro Neuropsychopharmacol, 1992 2(2): p. 149-55

5. Amaducci, L, et al Use of Phosphatidyl serine in Alzheimer's disease Ann NY Acad Sci, 1991 640: p 245-9

6. Amaducci, L., Phosphatidyl serine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease results of a multicenter study. Psychopharmacology Bull, 1988 24(1) p 130-4.

7. Funfgeld, E.W, et al., Double-blind study with Phosphatidyl serine (PS) in parkinsonian patients with senile dementia of Alzheimer's type (SDAT) Prog Clin Biol Res, 1989 3(1):p 1 235-46

8. Heiss, WD, et 01, Long-term effects of Phosphatidyl serine, pyritinol, and cognitive training in Alzheimer's disease. A neuropsychological, EEG, and PET investigation. Dementia, 1994 5(2) p 88-98

9. Crook, T, et al Effects of phosphatidyl serine in Alzheimer's disease. Psychopharmacology Bull, 1992 28(1):p 61-6

10. Maggioni, M, el al., Effects of Phosphatidyl serine therapy in geriatric patients with depressive disorders Acta Psychiatr Scand, 1990 81(3): p 265-70