You walk into a room and can’t remember why. You reread the same sentence three times and still can’t absorb it. If stress has you feeling forgetful or mentally sluggish, you’re not alone. Chronic stress isn’t just emotionally exhausting—it can directly affect how well your memory works. One supplement that’s been studied in this context is phosphatidylserine. But can it really help counteract memory problems caused by stress?
Contents
Understanding Stress and Memory
Stress triggers a cascade of responses in the body, including the release of cortisol—a hormone that helps you respond to danger. In the short term, cortisol can actually sharpen your focus. But when stress becomes chronic, cortisol stays elevated. Over time, this wears down brain areas involved in memory, particularly the hippocampus. That’s when mental performance starts to slip.
People under chronic stress often report difficulty concentrating, trouble recalling simple facts, and a general feeling of mental fatigue. Stress doesn’t just make you feel frazzled—it disrupts the brain’s ability to encode and retrieve information effectively.
What Is Phosphatidylserine?
Phosphatidylserine (often abbreviated PS) is a phospholipid—a type of fat that forms part of the structure of cell membranes. It’s especially concentrated in brain cells, where it helps regulate cell signaling, maintain membrane fluidity, and support healthy communication between neurons.
As we age or undergo prolonged stress, phosphatidylserine levels in the brain can decline. Supplementing with PS may help replenish these levels, supporting memory, learning, and mood regulation. But it’s not just about aging—research suggests PS may also benefit people struggling with stress-related cognitive symptoms.
What the Research Shows
Several studies have looked specifically at phosphatidylserine’s effect on memory in high-stress situations. In one study, young adults under mental stress performed better on memory and attention tasks after taking PS for two weeks compared to a placebo group. The PS group also showed lower levels of cortisol in response to stress, suggesting a calming effect on the body’s stress system.
In another trial, participants who reported high levels of stress and forgetfulness showed significant improvement in memory recall after taking 300 mg of PS daily for six weeks. The results were especially strong in people who had started the study with higher baseline stress and more pronounced memory complaints.
Phosphatidylserine has also been studied in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, where it consistently shows benefits for memory and mood—two areas closely tied to stress levels and cortisol balance.
How It May Help
Phosphatidylserine may support stress-related memory problems in a few key ways:
- Regulating cortisol: PS appears to help normalize cortisol responses to stress, potentially protecting brain structures from stress-related damage.
- Improving cell communication: Healthy neurons communicate more efficiently, making it easier to process and store new information.
- Enhancing neuroplasticity: Some research suggests PS supports the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire, which is essential for learning and memory.
It doesn’t work like a stimulant or instant fix. Most people who benefit report subtle improvements over a few weeks—things like fewer mental lapses, better word recall, or less “zoning out” during conversations.
Is It Safe?
Phosphatidylserine is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. Earlier forms were derived from bovine brain tissue, but modern supplements are plant-based (usually from soy or sunflower). Mild side effects like digestive upset or insomnia may occur in some people, especially at higher doses.
It’s always smart to talk with a healthcare provider before adding a new supplement—particularly if you’re taking medications that affect mood or cognition.
The Bottom Line
Yes—phosphatidylserine may help reduce memory problems caused by chronic stress, especially when those issues stem from elevated cortisol or mental overload. By supporting healthy brain cell function and moderating the body’s stress response, it offers a gentle but meaningful way to restore mental clarity.
If you’re feeling scatterbrained under pressure or just not as mentally sharp as usual, phosphatidylserine could be one tool worth considering as part of a broader brain health strategy.
