Attention and Concentration
About 8% of children and young people up to the age of 18 suffer from attention deficit disorder (ADHD), which also includes hyperactivity behavior. Some of the children suffering from the phenomenon have not been diagnosed as such and therefore the phenomenon is probably even broader. If the problem is not treated, it may continue in adulthood. And indeed, about 7% of adults suffer from the phenomenon.
The problem of attention and concentration causes reading difficulties, learning difficulties, lack of listening in and out of school, at work and in meetings with other people. If the problem is left untreated, it can worsen and lead to depression and psychiatric disorder.
A person suffering from attention and concentration problems may be involved in accidents and even various addictions.
The problem is manifested in the inability to listen, the mind is easily distracted from other matters. Those who suffer from the problem have difficulty performing tasks according to detailed instructions given to them. They skip details they did not notice so they might make mistakes. They have difficulty with order and organization. They have difficulties in studying and preparing homework. They might lose important belongings. They might forget to perform tasks assigned to them as well as forget about daily routine activities.
Hyperactivity
People with ADHD may also suffer from hyperactivity. They move restlessly, get up from the chair occasionally, climb on other furniture. They tend to be noisy, disturbing, over-talking, jumping and answering fast even before they heard the end of the question. They Have trouble playing quiet games. Children with ADHD are more likely to harass other children, burst into conversations, burst into other children's games. And they are having a hard time when they need to wait in line.
When trying to treat a problem one should first check if the child does not suffer from a physical impairment in vision or hearing that may cause him to behave in this way.
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a fatty acid that enhances attention, concentration, and brain activity and improves memory.
A clinical study published in the journal Genetics and Molecular Research in 2015 examined the effect of phosphatidylserine on memory (both in humans and in laboratory rats with Alzheimer). Compared to the control group that did not receive phosphatidylserine, the subjects in the treatment group showed a significant increase in their vocabulary and other cognitive abilities. The researchers found that phosphatidylserine improved subjects' memory abilities and reduced inflammation in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
In another article, conducted in Japan and published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition in 2010, researchers conducted a controlled trial on a group of seventy-eight subjects aged 50 to 69 who complained of memory problems. For six months, the researchers gave phosphatidylserine (extracted from soybeans) only to the randomly selected treatment group, while the control group received only a placebo. The experimental findings showed a significant increase in memory-related cognitive function for the subjects treated with phosphatidylserine. The study concludes that phosphatidylserine is considered a "safe food ingredient" and that six months of phosphatidylserine intake can improve memory in adults who complain of memory problems.
Another paper by a group of other researchers reviewed 127 scientific articles on the effects of phosphatidylserine on the human brain. The article was published in the journal Nutrition in 2015. This review found that, taken together, the scientific literature suggests that phosphatidylserine is efficiently absorbed in the human brain and stops or slows deterioration in nerve cell function.
The study found that phosphatidylserine supports and enhances diverse cognitive functions, including:
• The formation of short-term memory
• Long-term memory consolidation
• Creating new memories
• Retrieving memories
• The ability to focus attention and concentrate
• The ability to explain phenomena and solve problems
• The ability to communicate
In addition, the article found that phosphatidylserine supports and enhances motoric abilities and especially rapid responses and reflexes.
Bibliography
[1] Zhang, Y. Y., Yang, L. Q., & Guo, L. M. (2015). Effect of phosphatidylserine on memory in patients and rats with Alzheimer’s disease. Genet Mol Res, 14(3), 9325-9333.
[2] Kato-Kataoka, A., Sakai, M., Ebina, R., Nonaka, C., Asano, T., & Miyamori, T. (2010). Soybean-derived phosphatidylserine improves memory function of the elderly Japanese subjects with memory complaints. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition, 1009240057-1009240057.
[3] Glade, M. J., & Smith, K. (2015). Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition, 31(6), 781-786.
The stated above does not constitute a medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider with any question or concerns you have on your medical condition.
