How Phosphatidylserine Works in the Brain

Phosphatidylserine is a naturally occurring phospholipid that plays a key structural and functional role in neuronal cell membranes.

Based on published research, phosphatidylserine appears to support brain function through several mechanisms:

• Membrane fluidity. Phosphatidylserine helps maintain the structural integrity of neuronal membranes, supporting efficient signal transmission.
• Neurotransmitter function. It facilitates neurotransmitter release and receptor activity, supporting communication between brain cells.
• Synaptic plasticity. Phosphatidylserine contributes to adaptive processes underlying learning and memory.
• Stress response modulation. Research suggests it may influence cortisol and related signaling pathways.

Multiple randomized trials have evaluated phosphatidylserine in older adults with memory complaints, with generally consistent findings across studies.

Clinical Evidence in Older Adults

Duan et al. (2025) — 12-Month RCT

Duan et al. conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 190 older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants received a supplement containing phosphatidylserine (31.5 mg per capsule, two capsules daily), α-linolenic acid, and ginkgo flavonoids, or placebo, for 12 months. The intervention group demonstrated improvements in arithmetic testing, similarity testing, and short-term memory compared with placebo. Interpretation is limited by the multi-ingredient formulation.

Duan H, Xu N, Yang T, et al. Effects of a Food Supplement Containing Phosphatidylserine on Cognitive Function in Chinese Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2025;369:35–42. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2024.09.131.

Vakhapova et al. (2010) — 15-Week RCT

Vakhapova et al. studied 157 non-demented older adults with memory complaints randomized to phosphatidylserine combined with omega-3 fatty acids (PS-DHA) or placebo for 15 weeks. The intervention group showed improvements in verbal immediate recall, with post-hoc analyses suggesting benefits in delayed recall and learning, particularly among participants with higher baseline cognitive performance.

Vakhapova V, Cohen T, Richter Y, Herzog Y, Korczyn AD. Phosphatidylserine Containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Improve Memory Abilities in Non-Demented Elderly With Memory Complaints: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. 2010;29(5):467–474. doi:10.1159/000310330.

Kato-Kataoka et al. (2010) — 6-Month RCT

Kato-Kataoka et al. conducted a randomized trial in 78 older Japanese adults with memory complaints who received soybean-derived phosphatidylserine (100 mg or 300 mg daily) or placebo for 6 months. Among participants with lower baseline cognitive scores, phosphatidylserine supplementation was associated with improvements in delayed verbal recall and overall memory performance.

Kato-Kataoka A, Sakai M, Ebina R, et al. Soybean-Derived Phosphatidylserine Improves Memory Function of the Elderly Japanese Subjects With Memory Complaints. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. 2010;47(3):246–255. doi:10.3164/jcbn.10-62.

Summary

Phosphatidylserine has been studied in multiple randomized trials in older adults with memory concerns. Across studies, supplementation has been associated with improvements in memory measures, particularly verbal and delayed recall, with a favorable safety profile. Interpretation of some trials is limited by combination formulations, and further research continues to refine its role in cognitive health.