These are common questions used in cognitive tests designed by Thomas Crook, Ph.D., a renowned researcher on memory and aging.. If you failed the quiz, you could be a candidate for one of his studies on dementia! 

Perhaps you're having a trouble thinking or have  "Fibro-fog" experienced by those with fibromyalgia.  You may need the brain nutrient,  phosphatidyl serine (phos·pha·ti·dyll-ser-ine) or PS for short.  PS is amazing when it comes to matters of the mind and the rest of your aging body!

Even though PS is amazing, few people know about its health benefits. PS has been studied for more than 40 years, including successful human trials, for improving both memory and brain function. In fact, Crook and his colleagues conducted the first U.S. double-blind study on PS in the U.S. in 1991. His conclusion: PS was “the best thing he had ever seen for restoring memory loss” even when compared to 100 drugs. 

Well documented and thorough, Crook’s findings were published in a peer reviewed journal. This is significant because many medical professionals only recognize studies as noteworthy if they are double-blind and peer review published. What should be as significant are the more than 3000 peer reviewed research papers that scientist and phospholipids researcher Parris Kidd, Ph.D., analyzed. Kidd determined that PS “is the single best nutrient for safely conserving and restoring crucial higher functions of the brain” in terms of cognition. Kidd goes on to say that “the remarkable benefits of PS and its safety in use are now established beyond doubt”. 

The FDA has allowed a brain "health claim" for phosphatidyl serine.

 You should also know that the FDA approved two cognitive health claims for PSmore than two decades ago.  In May 2003, per the FDA “qualified health claim” status, PS labels are allowed to state that PS may “reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly”. But you don't have to be "elderly" to have cognitive issues!  

What exactly is this amazing nutrient?  Phosphatidyl serine is a naturally occurring phospholipid that your body makes. PS is comprised of both water and lipid (fat) soluble material that protects the inner and outer membrane of the 100 trillion cells that keep you alive. 

PS is in billions of brain cells.

Although found in every cell, the highest concentration of PS is in the billion cells of the brain. It’s believed that only 

15% of brain cell death or disability is genetic; the rest is due to free radical damage that affects the cell membrane. As a major building block of the cell membrane, PS “minds” the white matter. In Crook’s 12 week study, results were seen in as little as 3 weeks. But there’s more good news!

PS can regenerate brain cells! 

Not only does PS keep cells more viable, PS has been shown to “regenerate” cells and activity previously impaired. Even when the study and the supplement were discontinued, the benefits from PS continued. That’s proof positive that PS works short and long term. 

PS also has the ability to increase brain activity in such a way that it is visible on a Positron Emission Test (PET). PET scans measure energy in the brain. Like the electrical circuit in your home,  any disruption in the signals result in temporary power outages or  what we call “brain fog”.

PS can strengthen cellular messaging, neurochemistry and other cellular functions both directly and indirectly. Could it help fibro-fog as well? The involvement of PS in the receptor binding sites for neurotransmitters like dopamine, acetylcholine and serotonin suggest it can. 

If all of this “amazing” news has convinced you to give PS a try, how much should you take?. To see results, a suggested study dose is 100 mg taken three times a day with food. Start at 1/day and increase slowly). After one to two months at 300 mg, PS can usually be reduced to a maintenance dose of 100 mg a day. 

 THE MANY BENEFITS OF PHOSPHATIDYL SERINE

• Improves brain function, cognition & memory 
• Enhances learning & retention of information 
• Improves concentration & ability to focus 
• Supports mood & well-being
• Reduces stress hormone levels 
• Reduces age-related mental decline 
• Improves post-exercise recovery
• Promotes collagen & skin health 

©TyH Publications (M. Squires) For informational purposes only. Read the expanded  PS article online in the TyH Health  Library. 

Order Phosphatidyl Serine for your brain health!