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Are the Widely Advertised ‘Memory’ Supplements Effective?

Are the Widely Advertised ‘Memory’ Supplements Effective?

by | Jan 1, 2023

Post Categories: Aging and Longevity | Cognitive Function | Health Conditions | Healthy Aging Practices | Nutrition and Lifestyle | Supplements

Age-related cognitive decline is a common problem, for which few effective treatment options are available. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that some natural products, such as acetyl-L-carnitine and Ginkgo biloba extract, can provide benefit with respect to slowing the progression of (or in some cases reversing) cognitive decline.1 In addition, according to clinical observations, a small minority of patients experience substantial improvement from a series of intramuscular vitamin B12 injections. However, these treatments are not well known to the mainstream medical community or the general public.

What are well known to the public are several heavily advertised products – such as Prevagen and Neuriva – which are promoted as memory boosters. Prevagen entered the market in 2007, and as of the year 2015, total sales had reached an estimated $165 million. Neuriva entered the market in 2019 and is said to be the second best-selling memory product (behind Prevagen), with $100 million in sales. Neuriva reached prominence largely because it was promoted in advertisements by Mayim Bialik, who is well known for her role on the television show The Big Bang Theory and as the co-host of the TV show Jeopardy. The average cost for each of these products is around $30-$40 per month.

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Author

Alan R. Gaby, MD

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