Phosphatidylserine Supplements for Memory Hays KS

Menopause and Memory

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By Tori Hudson, ND

Q: Ever since I became perimenopausal, my memory is just not as good as it used to be. What supplement can I use to improve it?

A: My favorite nutrient for memory is phosphatidylserine, which has shown very good results in numerous scientific studies. It’s a phospholipid that influences the health and fluidity of cell membranes in the brain. Low levels are associated with impaired mental function, especially in the elderly, and studies have shown that in supplement form it can improve mental function, mood, and behavior.

I recommend that patients take 100 milligrams of this lipid, which is derived from soy lecithin, three times a day. You’ll probably need two to three months to see any benefit, but if it works, go ahead and take it indefinitely; it appears to have no side effects. My patients generally see the greatest improvement within the first three months, and then again after six months. I suggest reducing the dose to once or twice daily over the long term.

Another herb I frequently recommend for mild cognitive problems is Rhodiola rosea, also called golden root. It has been used for centuries in Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and Asia and has recently become known in the West. Rhodiola works by stimulating important neurotransmitters and has been shown to enhance learning and memory. The typical dose for long-term use is 300 to 600 mg per day in capsule form. Very few side effects have been reported, though it may make individuals who are prone to anxiety even more agitated.

Most of us think of ginkgo biloba as being helpful for memory, but it’s actually more useful for those who have Alzheimer’s disease. For Alzheimer’s patients, I typically recommend 80 mg of a standardized gingko extract preparation three times a day.

Author: Tori Hudson

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