Prevagen is one of the most popular supplements that theoretically supports healthier brain function, clearer thinking, and a sharper mind. Many people wonder about the effectiveness of Prevagen and whether it lives up to its claim. We discuss it below and also delve into how long it might take you to see results from the supplement.
What Is Prevagen?
As we age, it’s normal to experience some level of memory decline or reduced cognitive ability. This doesn’t mean we have Alzheimer’s; for most people, it is just part of the aging process.
While it may be normal, none of us like to feel like we’re forgetful or our minds are “slipping.”
That’s why some people might seek out supplements like Prevagen.
Prevagen is an over-the-counter supplement that contains apoaequorin and vitamin D3.
Apoaequorin is a protein found in jellyfish, although the patented version in Prevagen is actually synthetic.
In lab studies, apoaequorin has been shown to act in a way that’s similar to calmodulin, a protein in our bodies. Calmodulin is thought to play a key role in memory, but there’s limited research on this.
The idea is that the apoaequorin can act similarly to calmodulin to regulate the calcium levels in the brain. Dysregulated, high calcium levels in the brain are thought to contribute to memory loss.
The issue is technically known as neuronal calcium dysregulation. The calcium-binding protein apoaequorin may help restore homeostasis of calcium levels in the cells of the brain, helping promote optimal neuron cell function.
There are animal studies to support this theory. For example, in a study with older dogs, treatment with apoaequorin improved memory and also measures related to learning and attention.
The Madison Memory Study
The company manufacturing Prevagen conducted its own clinical trial. The Madison Memory Study was randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blinded. The study sought to identify the effects of Prevagen on the cognitive performance of adults with memory and cognitive concerns (self-reported).
The company that makes Prevagen is Quincy Bioscience, based in Madison, Wisconsin.
The trial included 218 generally healthy adults between the ages of 40 and 91. They were randomized to receive either a single 10-mg dose of Prevagen or a placebo each day for 90 days. In total, 211 participants completed the study.
Due to the study findings, the researchers concluded that using Prevagen as a dietary supplement did show some improvements in cognitive function among healthy people with mild impairment.
There were some concerns about the study, however.
One concern is that it only ran for 90 days, so it wasn’t able to accurately gauge the safety of Prevagen beyond that point.
There’s also a general concern about Prevagen. Proteins are typically digested in the GI system quickly. That means they aren’t able to make it past the blood-brain barrier in many cases. That could make Prevagen useless because it needs to reach the brain to be effective.
How Long to See Results from Prevagen?
If you do decide to try Prevagen and you’re wondering how long it takes to see results, it can depend.
Based on the clinical study conducted by the makers of the supplement, taking one capsule a day for 90 days improved cognitive function.
That doesn’t mean that for some people, results might not happen faster because they can.
Prevagen is also available in two dosage strengths—regular and extra strength. The regular dosage is 10 mg, and the extra strength is 20 mg, so if you opt for the 20 mg product, you might see results faster.
There are things you can do in your daily lifestyle that can help improve your memory or slow your decline. If you combine these with Prevagen, you might see faster results.
For example, you can get more physical activity and eat a nutritious diet. Having a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and other sources of healthy protein and fat can help your brain health too.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Prevagen is a top seller among memory supplements, but it’s not a magic cure-all for cognitive issues. It can take up to 90 days to show effects, and for some people, it may not show any at all.
There are some supplements that have more evidence to back up benefits for memory and brain fog, like ginkgo biloba. You should also speak to your health care provider if you have any concerns about your memory.
