PS is a phospholipid, which are the principal components of all cell membranes. PS provides for five special benefits:

• It activates cell-to-cell communication;
• It stabilizes the inner environment of the cell;
• It helps regulate cell growth;
• It improves the functioning of the special recepters found on cells, and it prepares cells for activity.

PS is most concentrated in the cells of the brain. PS promotes the stability and integrity of the cellular membrane and promotes the ability of cells to maintain the internal balance known as homeostasis.

PS promotes the functioning of special recepters which line the membranes of cells and it facilitates cell-to-cell communication. In animal studies, PS has also shown the ability to induce the production of neurotransmiters and to prevent their age related decline.

These studies help explain the clinical studies of humans that report PS stimulates acetylcholine output and the synthesis and release of dopamine. PS is also thought to reverse memory decline. Human trials have demonstrated memory improvement, improvements in lucidity, in outlook upon life, and in the general ability to cope with the concerns of the day and to function socially.

A 1987 report by an Italian scientist showed that when phosphatidylserine was given orally to rats with known age- dependent declines in cerebral function it improved memory deficits, prevented the decline in learning capacity observed in aged rats, restored age dependent electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities and prevented some degenerative nerve cell changes in certain parts of the brain.

Other reports show similar behavioral benefits in animals, and there are reports that phosphatidylserine can activate cells of the immune system. Phosphatidylserine is thought to work by stimulating repair of cell membranes.

Recent clinical studies show PS halps almost all people overcome dementia.

Phosphatidylserine does not have any adverse side effects. Future results of this study are eagerly awaited.