Does anyone have experience with Prevagen helping with confusion? (2024)

FAQs

Does Prevagen really help with dementia? ›

Prevagen is a dietary supplement that's advertised to help with mild memory loss. However, it doesn't treat or prevent memory-related health conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease.

But, according to the FTC and the New York attorney general, the trial involved 218 subjects taking either 10 milligrams of Prevagen or a placebo and “failed to show a statistically significant improvement in the treatment group over the placebo group on any of the nine computerized cognitive tasks.”

Case Summary

The FTC and New York State AG have charged the marketers of the dietary supplement Prevagen with making false and unsubstantiated claims that the product improves memory, provides cognitive benefits, and is “clinically shown” to work.

How long will it take to feel results? In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial subgroups of individuals who were cognitively normal or mildly impaired, taking just one Prevagen a day over 90 days improved certain aspects of cognitive function.

Adverse effects of apoaequorin are very rare, but research suggests they can include headache, nausea, constipation, edema and hypertension. Prevagen comes in three formulations—regular strength, extra strength and professional strength—and 30-capsule and 60-capsule quantities.

The makers of Prevagen are “deceiving millions of aging Americans” with claims that the supplement can treat age-related memory loss, AARP says in a new brief supporting a federal false advertising lawsuit.

The U.S. FDA has not evaluated Prevagen for safety and effectiveness and has tried to curb claims that it may help memory. It has taken the stance that "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is." Many experts advise against taking supplements that claim to improve your memory.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Regular physical exercise has known benefits for heart health. It also may help prevent or slow cognitive decline. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables is another heart-healthy choice that also may help protect brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids also are good for the heart.

Phosphatidylserine (PS)

Observing the effect of phosphatidylserine on cognitive function in older adults, a 2022 review and meta-analysis in the Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology found PS supplementation at a level of 300 milligrams daily may improve cognitive function and memory without side effects.

Quick Verdict. Noocube is a much better nootropic than Prevagen. Its 12-component formula is designed to enhance cognitive abilities in all areas. Prevagen uses only one ingredient, with the main purpose of improving memory in older adults.

What does the FDA say about Prevagen? ›

Since Quincy was also still making therapeutic claims in its marketing materials, and had conducted clinical investigations with the ingredient—two things only drug manufacturers are allowed to do—the agency stated that it considered Prevagen not to be a supplement at all, but an unauthorized drug.

At the conclusion of the trial, the jury found that Quincy was liable for deceptive acts and practices, false advertising, and repeated and persistent fraud about Prevagen, which derives its active ingredient from a protein that makes jellyfish glow.

Donepezil and rivastigmine

Donepezil tablets are by far the most common medication used to treat dementia. Rivastigmine tends only to be used when donepezil causes side effects, or if the person can't take it for medical reasons.

Smoking, exposure to air pollution, stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep and exercise increase your risk for memory loss. Having had a stroke or a traumatic brain injury or having heart disease or obesity also increase your risk.

The U.S. FDA has not evaluated Prevagen for safety and effectiveness and has tried to curb claims that it may help memory. It has taken the stance that "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is." Many experts advise against taking supplements that claim to improve your memory.