PEA for Pain & Brain Health in Older Adults

Why PEA is a No-Brainer for Older Adults

By Dr. Joan van Wyngaard

Growing older should not mean giving up mobility, independence, or peace of mind. Yet for many, the years bring unwanted companions: chronic pain, reduced resilience against
stress, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions. Among the many
supplements marketed to older adults, one compound stands apart both for its scientific
foundation and its remarkable safety record - Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA).

A Natural Pain Reliever

Pain is one of the most common age-related complaints, whether from arthritis, nerve
irritation, or lingering inflammation. PEA, a naturally occurring fatty acid amide produced
by our own cells, acts as the body’s built-in defense against pain and inflammation:

• Analgesic effects: PEA reduces activation of mast cells and microglia - immune cells heavily involved in chronic pain sensitization. By calming these cells, it interrupts the cycle of inflammation and pain transmission.
• Clinical relevance: Multiple studies confirm its benefits in conditions such as osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and post-surgical pain. Unlike NSAIDs, which can cause gastrointestinal or cardiovascular side effects with long-term use, PEA has shown excellent tolerability.
  

Neuroprotective Support for Healthy Aging

Cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
are often linked to neuroinflammation - the chronic activation of immune cells in the
brain.

PEA directly addresses this by:

• Crossing the blood–brain barrier and dampening neuroinflammation.
• Protecting neurons against excitotoxicity and oxidative stress.
• Supporting neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, both crucial for memory and learning.
• Demonstrating benefit in models of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, traumatic brain injury, and stroke, where it reduces cell death and preserves function. 
• In clinical settings, patients have reported improvements in mood, cognition, and sleep when using PEA as an add-on therapy.

Naturally Produced by the Body

Unlike many synthetic drugs, PEA is not foreign to the human body. It is produced on
demand by our cells in response to injury, stress, or inflammation as part of a pro-
homeostatic response. Levels of PEA, however, often decline with age and in chronic
disease, leaving the body less capable of defending itself. Supplementing with PEA helps
“top up” these natural defenses to restore balance.

A Proven Safety Profile

Safety is paramount for older adults who may already be taking multiple medications. PEA
has a remarkable track record:

• Toxicology studies, including prenatal and long-term animal studies, found no adverse effects even at very high doses.
• Clinical trials dating back to the 1960s, including over 4,000 participants, demonstrated safety and efficacy without reported side effects.
• Because PEA is metabolized into palmitic acid and ethanolamine - both normal dietary compounds - it carries no risk of dependency, toxicity, or psychoactivity.

Why PEA is Ideal for Older Adults

For older individuals, PEA offers a rare combination:

• Relief from pain without the risks of NSAIDs or opioids.
• Neuroprotection that supports brain health and resilience.
• A safety record strong enough for long-term, preventive use.
• Endogenous origins, meaning it works in harmony with the body rather than against it.

In summary: PEA is not just another supplement - it is the body’s own natural defense
molecule, rediscovered through modern science. For older adults seeking to
stay active, protect their brains, and avoid the risks of conventional drugs, PEA may be the
single most valuable daily supplement to consider.