An open trial of plant-source derived phosphatydilserine for treatment of age-related cognitive decline

Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci. 2000;37(4):302-7.

Abstract

We assessed whether the efficacy of plant-source derived phosphatydilserine (one of the phospholipids which play an important functional role in membrane-related processes in the brain) for treatment of age related cognitive decline is consistent with previous (placebo controlled) positive findings with bovine derivative of PS (BC-PS). Eighteen healthy elderly volunteers meeting Age Associated Memory Impairment inclusion and exclusion criteria were treated for 12 weeks with plant-source derived phosphatydilserine (PS) (100 mg x 3/day p.o.) and evaluated at base line, after 6 weeks of treatment and at the end of the trial. Fifteen concluded the study. All but two outcome measures elicited a significant drug over time effect. Post-hoc paired t-tests showed that the significant effect was attributable to an improvement from base line to week 6 and that effect was maintained at week 12. These results are encouraging. However, they await double-blind controlled verification in a large sample before suggesting that this may be a viable approach to the treatment of age-related cognitive decline, without exposing the patients to possible hazards involved in the treatment with bovine derivative of PS (BC-PS).

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Phosphatidylserines / therapeutic use*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Phosphatidylserines
  • Plant Extracts