kenny g asked
My wife is taking Prevagen because she feels that she is losing short term memory. She has been taking a 10mg capsule by mouth for almost 2 months. She feels that this is helping her, she says she notices a difference. The main ingredient is Apoequorin which comes from jellyfish and is considered the best selling memory capsule on the market. The ads say it should be taken for 90 days to notice a difference and take effect. Would it be beneficial for her to take it after 90 days in any event, improved memory or not? Would it have any greater effect from what she experiences within 90 days. She thinks it will "maintain" her memory if she keeps on taking it all the time. Please let me know what you think about this.
Answer
The long term safety of Prevagen isn't known, but there is no indication that Prevagen cannot be taken for more than 90 days without an increased risk of side effects.
Per the Prevagen product information, clinical trials for the supplement showed certain aspects of cognition improved over a 90 day period. From Prevagen:
The product information says nothing about safety regarding use longer than 90 days. However, it is important to know that in 2012, the FDA sent a warning letter to Quincy Biosciences, accusing them of false advertising and failing to report over 1,000 adverse event cases."Prevagen contains apoaequorin, which uniquely supports brain function.* In a computer assessed, double blinded, placebo controlled clinical study, Prevagen improved certain aspects of cognitive function over a 90 day period."
We wrote an extensive article regarding the Prevagen use which can be found here: Does Prevagen Work?
We are certainly glad to hear your wife feels her memory is better. Like all over the counter medications and supplements, it is important to let her doctor know she is taking it so she can be monitored for improvement and potential side effects.
