BRAIN DOCTOR reviews PREVAGEN: Scam or worth the cost?
Hello everyone, I’m a passionate neurologist who loves sharing brain-related information through videos. Today, I want to delve into the topic of the supplement Prevagen. Quincy Bioscience, the company behind Prevagen, claims that it can enhance memory and promote sharper thinking. But is this supplement truly worth your hard-earned money or just another overpriced and ineffective product? Let’s find out.
A few years ago, several of my patients asked me about Prevagen, which piqued my curiosity. Perhaps you’ve come across Prevagen commercials on TV or seen it on the shelves of your local grocery or drugstore. The price range of Prevagen varies from $39.95 to $89.95, depending on the formulation, making it quite expensive. The professional formula, which contains a higher concentration of the active ingredient, is naturally even pricier.
The active ingredient in Prevagen is Apoaequorin, a substance patented by Quincy Bioscience. Although it was initially discovered in jellyfish, the Apoaequorin in Prevagen is synthetically produced using genetically modified bacteria. Quincy Bioscience claims that Apoaequorin can protect brain cells by binding to excessive calcium in the brain, which is believed to contribute to brain cell damage. Elevated calcium levels are often seen in cases of brain injury, such as stroke or trauma, as well as age-related cognitive decline. As we age, our ability to regulate calcium in the body diminishes, leading to potential cognitive issues.
While there is some in vitro evidence suggesting that Apoaequorin may have neuroprotective properties, it’s important to note that these studies were conducted in a controlled laboratory setting using isolated cells. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to demonstrate that Apoaequorin can survive the journey through the human digestive system. Supplements usually undergo chemical changes during digestion, which can render them ineffective by the time they reach their intended target in the body. In vitro studies cannot definitively prove that a supplement will work in real-life situations, as they bypass the complex processes of digestion and absorption.
Furthermore, for any supplement to have a direct impact on the brain, it needs to cross the blood-brain barrier. This barrier acts as a filter, preventing harmful substances from reaching the brain. There is currently no evidence to suggest that orally consumed Apoaequorin can successfully cross this barrier and reach human brain cells.
Upon researching Prevagen, I discovered three human trials. The first study found that individuals who took Prevagen for three months experienced improvements in word recall and memory for driving directions. The second study observed an increase in sleep duration for individuals who typically slept less than seven hours. However, this study did not provide any conclusions regarding Prevagen’s impact on memory. Additionally, both of these studies lacked blinding and placebo comparisons, essential elements in determining the true efficacy of a supplement or medication. Furthermore, these studies were not published in peer-reviewed journals, which are crucial in ensuring the credibility of scientific research.
The third study, however, was placebo-controlled and double-blinded. It involved 218 participants who reported memory problems but did not have an official diagnosis of memory impairment. These individuals took Prevagen daily for three months and then underwent a series of cognitive tests. Overall, no statistically significant benefits were observed. However, when the researchers analyzed the data based on participants’ baseline cognitive performance, they found a few statistically significant results in specific aspects of cognitive function.
In the group with no baseline cognitive impairment, there was a significant difference between the placebo and Prevagen groups in delayed memory recall. Delayed recall refers to the ability to remember information acquired from an earlier time. For example, if you’re given a list of words and asked to recall them after a few minutes, that would be an example of delayed recall. In the group with very mild baseline dysfunction, Prevagen was found to improve visual learning compared to the placebo. Both the placebo and Prevagen groups showed improvement in executive function, which involves tasks related to planning, organizing, and decision-making.
It’s important to approach these findings with caution, as the overall results did not indicate a significant benefit. The statistically significant results in specific subgroups may be due to chance or other factors that require further investigation.
In conclusion, while there are some intriguing findings regarding the potential benefits of Prevagen, the current evidence is limited and not entirely conclusive. The in vitro studies and human trials have their limitations, and more research is needed to truly determine the effectiveness of this supplement. Additionally, the high price of Prevagen should be taken into consideration before making a purchase.
As a neurologist, I always prioritize evidence-based practices and treatments. If you’re considering Prevagen or any other supplement, I encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that it aligns with your individual needs and goals. Thank you for joining me today, and I’ll see you in the next video.
GMO bacteria? Wow, I'm certainly not gonna be trying out this supplement.
Thank u mam wish it wasn't a bull shit supplement…
Hello beautiful, do you have any information on cerebrolysin for me?
Thank you so much for this informative video.
Boomer animations don't heal shite
Prevagen makes some pretty bold claims in their commercials…especially so since they're not FDA approved
Give your money to a charity…there you should see some benefits.
Thankful for this bit of information! Two important facts I’m picking up on thats stated here.The main ingredient is created in a lab and is genetically modified. 🚩 Then our bodies process of digestion limits what we can ABSORB.
The key here is oxygenation of our cells which we enhance with daily movement to get the heart pumping! Also working on cleaner eating and detoxification of our body from all the chemicals in the environment. If our drainage pathways get cleared the body can do its job. 🫶🏼 Heathy Fats namely DHA 1000 mg is what helps me. Just sayin. 😊
I've been taking prevagen for over a month now, and i am feeling like it is gradually clearing away blockages in my memory and access to my brain, and concentration.
I will be very happy if i see substancial change by another month or two. If so, then it is cheap! (No, i don't have enough money for daily life, but if i feel my brain is healed, it's worth owing money for, to be worried about later).
I tried prevagen for frw months it improved my short term memory for few weeks. Then it caused voices in my head which caused many problems. It did not let me sleep at night. I got off but the stupid voices in my brain stayed with me. I hope this stupid product is taken of market and the company is sued.
I’d noticed my husband having issues so I bought him a bottle of prevegin. It was quite expensive so I didn’t buy the more expensive version. And I asked him to please at least take the bottle. I noticed an improvement in him and I think he did too. He finished the bottle about a month ago and this morning he did something kind of odd. So I am going to buy another bottle for him. I was wondering if there is anything less expensive I might be able to buy for him or feed him that would have the same effect
What about l-tyrosine, do you think that helps brain function?
I say try it, see if it works for you. I know people that swear by it.
So what does repair/restore memory then?
What NORTROPIC SHOULD WE USE?
What's the best supplement you would recommend for memory and sharpness?
The health supplement industry is massive. It makes you wonder what percentage of their products actually work.
I’m 47 years old, and I’ve just started taking Prevagen for 3 days. I’ve already noticed a good difference in how I am able to retain and comprehend information. Am I imagining this 🤷🏽♀️
Great video, this company spends a lot on advertising so it’s interesting to see that you don’t feel it’s effective.
I’d be super interested in your assessment of taking NMN or NR to improve NAD+ levels in our tissue and blood. I’ve been in it for 15 months and while I believe in the science behind taking these precursors, I don’t have any benefit to report (unlike many who claim energy and endurance benefits).
It takes time for a supplament to be beneficial. I'm going to use up the bottle then decide to keep/stop it. Might take 6 months but any gain is acceptable for me to continue.
I found this video to be very clear and concise. Thank you!
is it true that K2 pulls calcium from the blood?
I would really like to find someone who is not a doctor to review this supplement. I will keep looking. I am not researching for myself but for someone else.
Kratom green vein Malay
Any thoughts Doctor? Love your videos too!!
Just like most supplements – total BS.
I am watching now.
Thank you for this analysis. I have significant brain damage and am always looking for something to improve my short-term memory. (I can't remember my address or phone number — both new since my brain injury 3 years ago — so I'm keen on finding any relief!) But my own research into Prevagen led me to the same conclusion you have. Exercise, playing a musical instrument, good sleep, reading daily, all kinds of puzzles (crossword, jigsaw, brain teasers, etc.), coloring/painting/doodling, meditating, visualization of healthy neurons… a lot of things help me, but I've given Prevagen a pass. Good to hear I'm probably not missing anything!
Good analysis Dr. thank you. So, for those of us who are on the north side of 50, do you have any recommendations that would help achieve the effects promised by Prevagen? what foods, supplements, and or exercises (physical or manel) could help?
Thank you again for your public service.