- 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 Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, a consultant in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, and principal investigator of the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Education Core. He is past president of the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology.
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)
- Rapid-onset Alzheimer's: Could it be something else?
- Alzheimer's test: Detection at the earliest stages
Complications (1)
- Phantosmia: What causes olfactory hallucinations?
Treatments and drugs (4)
- Folic acid supplements: Can they slow cognitive decline?
- Alzheimer's nose spray: New Alzheimer's treatment?
- Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer's?
- see all in Treatments and drugs
Alternative medicine (4)
- Axona: Medical food to treat Alzheimer's
- Phosphatidylserine supplements: Can they improve memory?
- Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer's?
- see all in Alternative medicine
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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-SEHR-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. Because of concerns about mad cow disease, however, 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 questionVitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer's?
- Phosphatidylserine. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Feb. 3, 2009.
- Alternative treatments. Alzheimer's Association.
