What is Prevagen®?
Prevagen® is a brain health supplement clinically shown to help with mild memory problems associated with aging.* The active ingredient in Prevagen®, apoaequorin, was originally discovered in jellyfish. Apoaequorin is patented by Quincy Bioscience, a biotech company based in Madison, Wisconsin, for use in a variety of products to support cognitive function. The most commonly reported benefit of Prevagen® is improvement in short term memory.* Prevagen® is currently the number one selling brain health supplement in the United States.
Is there evidence that Prevagen® works?
The manufacturer claims that there is. Quincy Bioscience funded a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial called the Madison Memory Study to assess the efficacy of apoaequorin. Previous lab studies showed that apoaequorin supports neuronal cells, which they hypothesized would enhance memory and cognitive function in humans. Over 200 adults aged 40-91 completed the study. The experimental group received a 10 mg per day dose of apoaequorin. The author concluded that Prevagen® demonstrated the ability to improve aspects of cognitive function in a subset of older participants with either normal cognitive aging or very mild impairment. The study was not very robust and was certainly open to bias.
“MythBusters Rating”: Plausible.
Is Prevagen® safe?
The manufacturer claims that it is. Apoaequorin has undergone standard tests for allergenicity and toxicity at doses much higher than those recommended for administration with no adverse effects observed. Apoaequorin has been deemed generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food ingredient. Prevagen® is also manufactured in cGMP compliant facilities. While Prevagen® has no known interactions, it is always safe to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new supplement regimen.
You’re a pharmacist. Do you think it works?
Consider me a skeptic turned believer. My Prevagen® experience began with a free sample bottle at a trade show. I was a busy, often sleep deprived, toddler parent prone to “misplacing” my phone, keys, wallet and occasionally forgetting why I walked into a certain room. I had even received a few of these brilliant TrackR devices from my wife who was tired of hearing, “Have you seen my wallet?” What did I have to lose?
I took the initial 30 day supply fully expecting to see no difference. At the end of the first month, I felt my short term memory was slightly improved, but I wasn’t convinced. I was, however, intrigued enough to purchase a second bottle. At the end of the second month, I was a believer. I had experienced noticeably improved word recall, name recall, and I no longer worried about keeping up with my wallet, cell phone, and car keys. My short term memory improvement peaked and leveled off during the third month on Prevagen®.
I have now taken Prevagen®, at various dosages, daily for over a year and have noticed no adverse effects. I have since recommended the product to several friends, family members, and customers who now return every month to pick up their supply.
This article is too long. Can I just watch a video?
Yes, watch it here.
What is your recommendation?
I think Prevagen® is worth a shot for healthy adults looking for a boost in short term memory or cognitive function. I would recommend at least a 60-day pilot course, but ideally a 90-day trial run. Start with the Regular Strength (10 mg) dose and increase to the Extra Strength (20 mg) dose in the second or third month if you think it is needed. If you have trouble swallowing pills, the Regular and Extra Strength doses come in (good tasting ☺) chewable forms. Experiment to find the dose and formulation that works best for you. I have tried Prevagen Regular Strength®, Prevagen Extra Strength®, and even the new Prevagen Professional Strength® (40 mg). The Extra Strength was the sweet spot for me. The manufacturer stands behind their product with a 30-day and 90-day money back guarantee (available at Sona). What do you have to lose?
I’m sold. Where can I get it?
All dosage forms of Prevagen® can easily be found at Sona Pharmacy + Clinic located at 805 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803. It can even be delivered to your house free of charge if you call 828-298-3636 or go to Sona’s Facebook Shop to purchase. Be sure to ask about bulk discounts and our monthly Prevagen® subscription program!
*What are the asterisks (*) for?
The asterisks (*) denote the FDA disclaimer for dietary supplements. This statement or “disclaimer” is required by law when a manufacturer makes a structure/function claim on a dietary supplement label. In general, these claims describe the role of a nutrient or dietary ingredient intended to affect the structure or function of the body. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and truthfulness of these claims; they are not approved by FDA. For this reason, the law says that if a dietary supplement label includes such a claim, it must state in a “disclaimer” that FDA has not evaluated this claim. The disclaimer must also state that this product is not intended to “diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease,” because only a drug can legally make such a claim.
