Choline alfoscerate, or L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha GPC), occurs naturally in the fatty acids of soy plants. It is considered important to the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that supports brain health and the production of human growth hormone (HGH). As the brain ages, acetylcholine levels typically decrease, which can lead to cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's. Studies suggest that choline alfoscerate can treat Alzheimer's and other forms of age-related cognitive decline. Evidence also suggests that this type of choline may be able to stimulate increased blood levels of human growth hormone in the elderly, for a healthier, more youthful body.
Alpha-GPC is marketed in the United States as a dietary supplement. Prescription forms of choline alfoscerate are administered in Europe to treat Alzheimer's disease. Dementia, stroke, and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients may also benefit from alpha GPC use. Alpha-GPC is marketed as a dietary supplement that can enhance memory, cognitive ability and learning ability.
Unlike some other forms of choline, choline alfoscerate normally penetrates the blood-brain barrier easily. Once it has crossed the blood-brain barrier, the brain makes acetylcholine from alpha-GPC. Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter that is believed responsible for memory, learning, normal cognitive function and human growth hormone production.
As the brain ages, its neurons and neural receptors can atrophy, ceasing to function. Aging brains often experience significant declines in the function of memory-specific neural receptors. Choline alfoscerate may help to stimulate the growth of new neurons and neural receptors, and may help reverse the neural atrophy that can cause loss of cognitive function. As a result, alpha-GPC may be able to slow, stop, or reverse cognitive decline in those already suffering from Alzheimer's, dementia or other forms of age-related cognitive decline. It is hoped that choline alfoscerate may prove invaluable to the treatment of Alzheimer's, dementia and other age-related cognitive disorders.
Choline alfoscerate may also help boost production of human growth hormone in the elderly. While the production of human growth hormone in the brain doesn't typically decline with age, its release into the body can decline significantly. Choline alfoscerate can help stimulate the release of human growth hormone in the brains of older patients. Higher levels of HGH release can help keep elderly patients physically strong and healthy.
