Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide that has gained attention for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. There is emerging, but limited, scientific evidence suggesting potential benefits of PEA in supporting cognitive function and possibly slowing progression in neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. Some preclinical studies have demonstrated that PEA can reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, mechanisms implicated in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. A few small clinical studies and case reports, such as the 2019 randomized controlled trial by Petrosino et al. (Frontiers in Pharmacology), indicated that PEA supplementation (sometimes in combination with luteolin) could improve cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease. However, these studies typically have small sample sizes, short durations, and often lack robust controls.

Major clinical guidelines do not currently recommend PEA for dementia, and large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are lacking. Nevertheless, the mechanistic rationale for PEA—its modulation of glial cell activity and reduction of neuroinflammation—makes it a promising candidate for further research in the context of neurodegenerative conditions. Thus, while there is a scientific basis and some preliminary clinical evidence, the overall strength of evidence remains low (rated 2/5), and PEA should not be considered a proven or standard treatment for dementia at this time.

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