- With Mayo Clinic clinical neuropsychologist
Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
Dr. Glenn Smith is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Smith, a Lincoln, Neb., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1990 and works with neurologists, psychiatrists, internists, social workers and nurses involved in diagnosing and providing care for people with dementia and their families.
"For Alzheimer's disease, there is currently no cure," he says. "The best "medicine" for patient and family remains education and support. Hopefully, Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer's disease Web resources contribute to compassionate care and understanding for Alzheimer's families."
Dr. Smith is a professor of psychology at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, a division co-chair in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, and principal investigator of the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Education and Information Transfer Core. He is past president of the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology and the Clinical Neuropsychology Division of the American Psychological Association.
Risk factors (2)
- Alzheimer's: Can a head injury increase my risk?
- Oophorectomy (ovary removal): A risk factor for dementia?
Symptoms (1)
- Sundowning: Late-day confusion
Tests and diagnosis (2)
- Rapidly progressing Alzheimer's: Something else?
- Alzheimer's test: Detection at the earliest stages
Complications (1)
- Phantosmia: What causes olfactory hallucinations?
Treatments and drugs (3)
- Alzheimer's nose spray: New Alzheimer's treatment?
- Folic acid supplements: Can they slow cognitive decline?
- Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer's?
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- Alzheimer's: Can a Mediterranean diet lower my risk?
Alternative medicine (5)
- Huperzine A: Can it treat Alzheimer's?
- Axona: Medical food to treat Alzheimer's
- Phosphatidylserine supplements: Can they improve memory?
- see all in Alternative medicine
Coping and support (1)
- Elder care for Alzheimer's: Choosing a provider
Prevention (3)
- Alzheimer's disease: Can exercise prevent memory loss?
- Benefits of being bilingual: Delay Alzheimer's?
- Alzheimer's prevention: Does it exist?
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Question
Phosphatidylserine supplements: Can they improve memory?
Can phosphatidylserine improve memory and cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease?
Answer
from Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
Phosphatidylserine (fos-fuh-tie-dul-SER-een) is a dietary supplement that has received some interest as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease and other memory problems. Several studies involving phosphatidylserine indicate a benefit — improved cognitive abilities and behaviors. However, improvements in memory lasted only a few months and were seen in people with the least severe symptoms.
Initially, phosphatidylserine supplements were derived from the brain cells of cows. However, because of concerns about mad cow disease, most manufacturers now produce phosphatidylserine supplements from soy or cabbage derivatives. Early studies, though promising, were based on cow-derived supplements. It's not known if plant-based phosphatidylserine supplements offer any benefits.
Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration doesn't require manufacturers to provide evidence of the potential risks and benefits of phosphatidylserine — or of any supplement. Consult your doctor before starting any dietary supplement.
Next questionGinkgo biloba: Can it prevent memory loss?
- Phosphatidylserine. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed March 28, 2011.
- Alternative treatments. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/professionals_and_researchers_alternative_treatments_.asp. Accessed March 28, 2011.
- Wollen KA. Alzheimer's disease: The pros and cons of pharmaceutical, nutritional, botanical, and stimulatory therapies, with a discussion of treatment strategies from the perspective of patients and practitioners. Alternative Medicine Review. 2010;15:223.
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