prevagen

Does Prevagen, a Cognitive Health Supplement, Really Improve Memory?

By Lecia Bushak | September 12th, 2019

Does Prevagen work? It's unclear — and unproven.

Dietary supplements make up a ubiquitous, $40 billion industry. Some of the 50,000 different types of supplements out there claim to improve your mood, energy, vitamin levels and overall health. And some supplements, like Prevagen, bank on the population of people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Read about Prevagen’s
settlement in a false
advertising lawsuit here.

Some 5.8 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s, a number that is expected to swell to 14 million by 2050. At a time when the population affected by these diseases is growing, some supplement manufacturers claim they can protect people against memory loss, and even delay dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Prevagen is one of the most popular supplements and says it can help protect against mild memory loss, boost brain function and improve thinking. But is there any truth to these claims? We spoke with experts to find out.

What is Prevagen?

Dr. Marwan Sabbagh is Medical Director at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. He says that countless numbers of patients buy supplements like Prevagen, and often come to him asking if these products can help them with memory loss.

“As a clinician, I get asked about supplements a lot it’s one of the most common things I’m asked about,” Sabbagh said. “There’s a huge gap of knowledge. Patients are going to the Internet, and there is no objective peer-reviewed data on these supplements. And what the physician side is lacking is guidance to the lay audience about supplements.”

Prevagen is a dietary supplement manufactured by Quincy Bioscience, a biotechnology company based in Madison, Wisconsin. On its website, the company says it focuses on “the discovery, development and commercialization of novel technologies to support cognitive function and other normal health challenges associated with aging.”

A bottle of Prevagen can cost from $24.29 to nearly $70, depending on the type (Prevagen Regular Strength, Prevagen Extra Strength, Prevagen Professional) and where you buy it. It’s sold online, at health stores and even pharmacies like Duane Reade, CVS and Walgreens.

Efficacy of Prevagen and Alzheimer’s supplements

In 2016, Quincy Bioscience published a self-funded report known as the Madison Memory Study, which claimed to provide evidence for the benefits of Prevagen. The study relied heavily on the purported cognitive benefits of apoaequorin, an ingredient in Prevagen and a protein found in jellyfish.

The study asserted that “Prevagen demonstrated the ability to improve aspects of cognitive function in older participants with either normal cognitive aging or very mild impairment.”

However, there have been no objective, peer-reviewed studies to confirm or replicate these results, says Joanna Hellmuth, a neurologist at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Memory and Aging Center. And this tends to be the case for other dietary supplements that claim to help brain health.

“Supplement manufacturers are legally allowed to make misleading claims that may not have the greatest degree of scientific integrity. This is not something an academic researcher would stake her career on,” Hellmuth said in an interview with Being Patient.

In a January 2019 article published in JAMA, Hellmuth and two other doctors wrote: “No known dietary supplement prevents cognitive decline or dementia, yet supplements advertised as such are widely available and appear to gain legitimacy when sold by major U.S. retailers.”

Regulating supplements for cognitive health

The looseness around supplement advertising has to do with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations surrounding the dietary supplement industry. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), it’s illegal for supplements to claim they prevent, treat or cure any diseases. Supplements are allowed, however, to declare that they can help certain functions. For example, claims like “clinically proven to help memory” are legal and aren’t regulated.

“The regulatory requirement for a supplement is much lower [than a prescription drug],” Sabbagh said. “[Supplements] all have to pass the standard called generally recognized as safe, or GRAS. They’re not required by law to show efficacy, and they are not allowed by law to make claims of therapeutic benefits. They’re not allowed to treat specific diseases or conditions. They can, however, comment on treating symptoms or things like that. It’s a very grey area.”

Recently, however, the FDA pledged to bolster regulation of dietary supplements. In February 2019, the FDA also cracked down on a variety of supplement manufacturers that were illegally claiming to treat dementia and Alzheimer’s.

And Prevagen in particular came under the radar when, in January 2017, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and New York State Attorney General charged Quincy Bioscience with making false and unsubstantiated claims about their product. (Read the latest on that lawsuit and settlement here.)

The complaint stated that the Madison Memory Study “failed to show a statistically significant improvement in the treatment group over the placebo group on any of the nine computerized cognitive tasks.” Still, the complaint reads, Quincy Bioscience “widely touted the Madison Memory Study in their advertising.”

When asked for comment, a spokesperson for Quincy Bioscience stated: “Prevagen is regulated as a dietary supplement and therefore we cannot comment on any potential benefits related to disease. Prevagen is intended for people that are experiencing mild memory loss related to aging. Beyond that we have no further comment.”

Educating patients

Even though manufacturers of these supplements like Quincy Bioscience don’t always claim that their products can stop or prevent diseases, the information they do provide can be confusing to patients, Hellmuth says.

“Supplements are allowed to say, ‘This is clinically proven to help memory,’ and not allowed to say, ‘clinically proven to prevent Alzheimer’s,’” Hellmuth said. “But the average consumer may not be able to tell the difference.”

She says that she’s trying to stop the confusion out there by educating her own patients about how misleading supplement advertising can be.

“We have to spend a lot of time educating patients about these issues,” Hellmuth said. “We try to have an honest scientific conversation about what data there are on efficacy.”

Patients diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or people whose loved ones are diagnosed, are often desperate for answers and solutions. Hellmuth says this may play a role in why many people purchase supplements that may give them a glimmer of hope, even if there’s no evidence behind them.

“People are scared and willing to spend money, and want to alleviate their fears,” Hellmuth said. “A lot of people ask, ‘Could it hurt?’ The counter-argument is that it’s not medically, financially or ethically benign if people are being misled about the scientific data.”

What she tries to tell patients instead, is that certain lifestyle changes do have research supporting their benefits for cognitive health.

“There is some evidence that lifestyle interventions can put people at lower risk for developing cognitive issues,” Hellmuth said. “Exercise has been shown to lower rates of developing dementia. I recommend that my patients exercise two and a half hours a week based on the American Heart Association recommendations. We also know that controlling risk factors for cerebrovascular disease like blood pressure, cholesterol and not smoking that those can reduce your risk as well.”

Sabbagh echoes Hellmuth’s advice about lifestyle changes. And when it comes to supplements, he will simply tell patients that he believes they are safe, but that the data about their efficacy is unproven.

“Physicians are evidence-based, and until these [products] are studied objectively, it’s hard to make recommendations around them,” Sabbagh said.

He also hopes that someday, the supplement industry will be more rigorously regulated.

“Being unregulated, [manufacturers] are really kind of bending the rules of acceptability,” Sabbagh said. “I think you would see that a more structural regulatory pathway would cause a lot of supplement companies to go out of business. But I think this is an area, for the sake of public safety, that should be regulated more.”

 

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36 thoughts on “Does Prevagen, a Cognitive Health Supplement, Really Improve Memory?

  1. These prescriptions are expensive on a Senior’s income. If it does what you claim, make it easier and more affordable for Seniors to purchase. This also applies to all experimental drugs on the market today. The drug companies prey upon people who need them the most. Yes, it is expensive to develop these products, but there must be a way to also make them available to those who need them most.

    1. I have given my 108 year old mom Prevagwn on and off for many.years, and it does have a noticeable impact, not sure memory,.but at least it clarifies her thought processes connected with more accurate and meaningful speech. I fact, sometimes almost too much so , AND SHE WILL CHATTER AWAY ALL NIGHT, and then them sleeps all day. Which is why I often give it to her only once or twice a week. Lately, however, I do notice less of an impact, but hey, at her advanced age.perhaps there is just more decline or her ancient hearing aids simply impede hearing and speech more than they help. I have even had someone who could hear her chattering away in the background while we talked over the phone ask me, accurately, if she had taken a Prevagen. There is definitely something that happens to the brain or to the sensory skill connected with speech. I would not dismiss. Needs more research.

    2. Yes, they are way too expensive and I have emailed the company for prevagen many times about the price. They absolutely ignored my email. My mother in law is a 100 year old we know she had dementia or its just that she’s tired at 100 even eating is tiresome to her. I did purchase one bottle but don’t think I will purchase another cause like you said there is no studies to prove it actually works. Weight loss industry is the same make claims but nothing to back it up and the price is unaffordable for people on social security. Deborah

  2. These prescriptions are expensive on a Senior’s income. If it does what you claim, make it easier and more affordable for Seniors to purchase. This also applies to all experimental drugs on the market today. The drug companies prey upon people who need them the most. Yes, it is expensive to develop these products, but there must be a way to also make them available to those who need them most. You won’t let me post my comment, must be because it is TRUE.

    1. I for one. would LOVE to see your comment! I have Minor Cognitive Impairment in the 2nd year. It’s my belief that if there was something out there that would help with these types of diseases, their makers/users would SHOUT it to the ROOFTOPS!

      1. Even the best prescriptions only slow down the the trajectory of decline none improve or stop Alzheimer’s.

      2. I read that Coconut Oil can help with Alzheimers, I started to have memory problems and used it, it has to be best quality extra virgin.
        My memory has deteriorated over past year (after I fell and hurt my back), I think it is helping.

    2. I totally agree being on disability makes this product un affordable to me, Wish it was more affordable.

  3. You must have pulled these right from the fountain of intelligence….NOT!! 30 days and nothing. Not better not worse, just like smoking a pipe filled with oregano, nothing.

  4. Thank you for your objective reporting on Prevagen and other supplements. As the daughter of an Alzheimer’s resident, I watch all this information closely. I live in fear of this disease because I watched what it did to my mother.

  5. The Federal Government should be urged to tighten laws that require manufacturers to prove claims before the market. People get so desperate for help they will buy anything that claims to help.

  6. I for one. would LOVE to see your comment! I have Minor Cognitive Impairment in the 2nd year. It’s my belief that if there was something out there that would help with these types of diseases, their makers/users would SHOUT it to the ROOFTOPS!

    1. Even the best prescriptions only slow down the the trajectory of decline none improve or stop Alzheimer’s.

  7. Prevagen is obviously one big total fraud! I bought two bottles, and it did not help my memory whatsoever.
    Like many of us, I failed to read the reviews, which of course, 90% are negative. It’s obvious that the manufacturer of Prevagen is looking for the quick buck (the American way). All they do is advertise to try and get new customers. I predict within a year, or two, they’ll be off the market.

    1. Look how many times makers of Prevagen have been sued. More than 8 times for false claims, fraud. It should be taken off the market.

  8. First of all, I know that one shoe size do not fit all that try them on. Is there anyone anywhere who have exprienced possitive results after taking Prevagen for 60 days? I have heard it helped the brain function much better for several years. I would love to hear from a family member, if there was any improvement after taking Prevagen for at least 60 days. It has to have helped or this supplement would not still be on the market.

  9. IF I have it prescribed and it does NOT help my memory, what is the
    DANGER of taking it if any? My pricey insurance will cover the cost. I am]
    just one who DOES believe in supplements -like nutritional and vitamins.
    My feeling is if they do not help (but I think they do) they will not hider my health.
    Your take of this?

    1. Hello Ramona, Consult Your Physician – Being Patient does not give medical advice, nor is any information on the site intended to be prescriptive medical advice. If you have any questions about your health or the health of your loved one, please consult your physician for any and all medical-related questions. ~ Thank you

  10. I am 76 years of age. I eat healthy & only take Maloxicam for some joint pain. I have become a little forgetful & it concerns me as my mother died 20 years ago & had alsheimers badly. She smoked all life & was on lots of medicine. Should I take Prevagen?

    1. Mary, Consult Your Physician – Being Patient does not give medical advice, nor is any information on the site intended to be prescriptive medical advice. If you have any questions about your health or the health of your loved one, please consult your physician for any and all medical-related questions. ~ Thank You

    2. from what I gained from this very informative article, you would be much better served, both physically, mentally, and financially to exercise 2 1/2 hours a week.

  11. I tried Prevagen for about 4 months with absolutely no change in my memory! Sad that these manufacturers profess to do one thing and in reality they are just in it for the money. As a senior 76 years old would love to find one that works. But guess what I’m limited on my purchases as I’m retired on a very limited income. Stop…… with all you want is our money…..which we don’t have.

    1. In my opinion, if any of the many supplements were significantly effective, my doctors would be enthusiactively prescribing them and Quincy Bioscience company would be featured in news and medical publications and with well documented patient positive results. I am currently on meds to control my blood pressure, control my cholesterol, control my blood sugar levels, a daily baby aspirin and lots of exercise and am fit and trim but still have memory issues. There are no simple solutions for age related memory decline. Many people are now enjoying longer life spans as compared to our parents and grandparents. But the simple fact is that our bodies, including our brains, gradually decline as we age. These same genetic events over time that cause our skin to wrinkle, our muscles to shrink in volume, and our major organs to become less efficient.are all part of the aging process .

  12. My sister-in-law knows nothing of supplementsbanfs
    and keepsvbuyimg this squid oil prevagen and we have to help her pay for it! These companies should be required to off er some kind of proof for their claims and be sued !

    1. You are a loving brother-in-law by your financial assistance to her in purchasing when you know it is of no value to her…wouldn’t she, and you, be better off to put that money away for when she needs something that will work for this or another problem down the road.

  13. Although depression & anxiety are distinct diagnoses, they both can be treated successfully using a holistic approach that integrates modern medicine with natural therapies. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat foods like fatty fish and blueberries to keep your brain working on top condition.

  14. I forgot to mention I am 78, 6 foot tall, weigh 165 and can walk 2 miles in 30 minutes. A very brisk pace. I am a college grad with a high IQ but often struggle to remember names of people and things. I am currently participating in a national online memory research study and function at a high level in terms of reading comprehension with respect to scientific and engineering articles, operating complicated devices and electronics, etc. Just don’t expect a quick replay if you ask for my great grandson’s name!

    1. Hello Beverly, Consult Your Physician – Being Patient does not give medical advice, nor is any information on the site intended to be prescriptive medical advice. If you have any questions about your health or the health of your loved one, please consult your physician for any and all medical-related questions. ~ Thank You.

  15. I agree with the other comments. When you get to be a senior citizen you can’t afford the prices for these supplements. If a pharmaceutical company really wants to help aging and seniors, make it where we can afford these supplements. We actually don’t even know if they work or not. We’ve seen no trials to prove they work as you say. And you want to charge that much and if it doesn’t work, you have taken food off our tables to try your product. Seems it is not about the customers, seniors or people with cognitive problems any more, it is about making money. No, we can’t afford your prices. Some of us have one small Social Security check coming in, we do have our living expenses, insurance, groceries, etc. that take a big portion of that check. We do live, pay check to pay check. It just takes one time getting sick. I had a Stem Cell Transplant, it about wiped me out financially. Thank you for your time.

  16. I was reading about the lawsuit filed against quincy concerning provagen I’m one of the person who has been using provagen and it works great I’ve use it for about 6 weeks and my memory has greatly improved. I have stopped using it because I can not afforded it I wish the FDA would approve provagen because it works for poor people. Than I would be able to purchase it through insurance!

  17. On youtube, I listened to research on Alzheimers explaining that the failure is a failing of the signals between the synapses in the brain. We have millions of synapses it was explained and as we age we lose some of them and we do make new ones, but slower. However we can make and store many more by ‘learning’. Learning exercises the brain differently than repetitious thought. The woman explained to keep your mind in good shape you need to use your brain in a new way. Read about something new. Learn a language. Learn an instrument. Learn a new hobby. Learn a new job. Learn a course, a new subject. Learn a sport. Anything that is new to your brain builds you tons more synapses for your body to store. Have conversation with people you can learn from.

  18. Prevagem does not really work or it would have been synthesized into a drug,FDA approved,and sold via prescription at a very high cost.Drug companies would not miss this ! Prevagen is basically a worthless designer-supplement that also is not cheap ! A bottle of 30 capsules costs about $ 29.95. It is made from the protein fond in jelly fish and touted as a cognitive enhancer.I tried it for my elderly mother,at 77 years old,with mild dementia and forgetfulness for 90 days.Sadly, it proved absolutely worthless for her !

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