How Do They Work
Nootropics affect the brain by influencing neurons and neurotransmitters at a cellular level.
Some indicates that these processes may positively affect amyloid plaques, which scientists believe are responsible for Alzheimers disease.
Nootropics can be either prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or dietary supplements.
Doctors may prescribe nootropic drugs such as Donepezil for Alzheimers disease.
Additionally, some people take dietary supplements that claim to have nootropic or memory-boosting effects. However, scientific research may not have proven these effects.
Where Does The Blue Light From Apoaequorin Come From
Overview Information Apoaequorin is a protein that comes from a specific type of jellyfish that glows. When apoaequorin is exposed to calcium, the protein and calcium bind and a blue light is produced. Apoaequorin is a protein that was originally discovered in the jellyfish species Aequorea victoria.
How Much Is Prevagen And Where Do I Buy It
You can buy the Prevagen products on Prevagen Amazon, eBay, Prevagen at Walmart, and the official website. They are likely some other retailers who sell it as well. The Prevagen cost of the products on the official website are as follows:
- Prevagen Regular Strength 60 Capsules $74.95
- Prevagen Extra Strength 60 Capsules $109.95
- Prevagen Chewables: Mixed Berry Flavor 30 Capsules, 10 mg $39.95
- Prevagen Regular Strength 30 Capsules $39.95
- Prevagen Extra Strength 30 Capsules $59.95
- Prevagen Chewables: Mixed Berry Flavor 30 Capsules, 20 mg $59.95
- Prevagen Regular Strength Chewables, Orange $39.95
- Prevagen Professional Formula 30 Capsules $89.95
- Neuroshake, 15 Packets $19.95
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Why Is This Nootropic So Prominent
Alpha Brain is most likely the initial nootropic supplement that many of you ever came across. It was amongst the first brain supplements to go mainstream. Prior to firms like Onnit came onto the scene, nootropics were an underground phenomenon. But thanks to their considerable advertising efforts as well as some vital star endorsements Onnit became a substantial lifestyle brand, and Alpha Brain became one of the very best marketing nootropics on the planet.Can Nootropics Help With Dementia?
Brain Aging Reduction With Nootropics
Unfortunately, Alzheimers and brain aging cannot be reversed at this time but damages can possibly be prevented. The obvious theory is that the reduction of free radicals may reduce the chances of mental decline that leads to Alzheimers.
This theory is much like the theory of reducing cancer development by reducing overall free radical levels in a lifetime. Lowering the level of oxidative free radicals in the brain is likely to reduce the chances of mental deterioration. Periodic or lifetime used of nootropic may help.
Certain nootropics have been seen to be effective antioxidants and effective at reducing free radicals. The racetam compounds have been seen to have antioxidants in higher than normal dosages. Other nootropics seem to be more effective at reducing oxidative stress.
Some of the most promising are the herbal compounds, Bacopa Monnieri and Huperzine A. Alpha GPC has also generated some interest.
Notes
Recommended Reading: What To Expect With Frontotemporal Dementia
The Dismissal Of The Lawsuit:
In the legal battle between Quincy Bioscience and the FTC and the New York Attorney General, the maker of Prevagen prevailed. The lawsuit against Quincy Bioscience was dismissed by a federal judge on September 28th, 2017.
According to the blog Natural Products Insider by Josh Long, the key issue in the lawsuit had to do with an interpretation of the results from the Madison Memory Study. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study provided the basis for advertising statements made by Quincy Bioscience about Prevagen.
According to Natural Products Insider:
Although the study failed to show any statistically significant results for the study population as a whole, statistically significant results were identified among certain subgroups.
In one subgroup, for example, participants showed statistically significant improvements over individuals who received the placebo in three of nine tasks: measuring memory psychomotor function and visual learning.
But in granting the defendants motion to dismiss the federal claims, the judge found the lawsuit neglected to do more than point to possible sources of error but cannot allege that any actual errors occurred.
The complaint, the judge concluded, failed to demonstrate reliance upon the subgroup data is likely to mislead consumers acting reasonably under the circumstances, as is necessary to state its claim.’
A spokesman for Quincy Bioscience remarked:
What Can You Do
Treatment for depression usually involves a combination of medicines, talking therapies and self-help. There might be a certain amount of trial and error while you find what works for you. It may also depend on how serious your depression is. Mild to moderate depression can sometimes be managed with exercise, self-help groups and talking therapies. But more serious cases of depression could need antidepressant medication and the support of a mental health team, alongside the other treatments.
If you are worried that memory loss problems might be a symptom of a wider issue such as depression, the sooner you find out the better you soon could feel. See your GP and he can give you an initial assessment and refer you on from there.
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Regulating Supplements For Cognitive Health
The looseness around supplement advertising has to do with the Food & Drug Administration regulations surrounding the dietary supplement industry. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 , its illegal for supplements to claim they prevent, treat or cure any diseases. Supplements are allowed, however, to declare that they can help certain functions. For example, claims like clinically proven to help memory are legal and arent regulated.
The regulatory requirement for a supplement is much lower , Sabbagh said. all have to pass the standard called generally recognized as safe, or GRAS. Theyre not required by law to show efficacy, and they are not allowed by law to make claims of therapeutic benefits. Theyre not allowed to treat specific diseases or conditions. They can, however, comment on treating symptoms or things like that. Its a very grey area.
Recently, however, the FDA pledged to bolster regulation of dietary supplements. In February 2019, the FDA also cracked down on a variety of supplement manufacturers that were illegally claiming to treat dementia and Alzheimers.
And Prevagen in particular came under the radar when, in January 2017, the Federal Trade Commission and New York State Attorney General charged Quincy Bioscience with making false and unsubstantiated claims about their product.
Look Out For Unproven Claims About Alzheimers Treatments
Remember the saying, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is? Unfortunately, when faced with a serious health issue, even the most rational person can be led to believe implausible claims. Indeed, thats what companies selling fake treatments count on.
One of best ways to protect yourself from fake treatments is to ask whether the claim seems too promising and if it contradicts what youve heard from reputable sources about treatments for Alzheimers disease. Companies selling unproven Alzheimers treatments often include a range of unsupported and expansive claims about the supposed healing powers of their products. These includes statements such as:
- You can even reverse mental decline associated with dementia or even Alzheimers in just a week
- Clinically shown to help disease of the brain such as Alzheimers and even dementia
- Supplements are used to cure Alzheimers disease
- can reduce the risk of Alzheimers by half
- May have a role in preventing the progression of Alzheimers and
- Clinically shown to help disease of the brain such as Alzheimers and even dementia.
Another red flag is that many of the claims made by these companies about the supposedly curative powers of their products are often not limited to Alzheimers disease. Consumers should steer clear of products that claim to cure or treat a broad range of unrelated diseases.
Also Check: What Are The Symptoms Of Dementia And Alzheimer’s
The Importance Of Nootropics
Nootropic is a term that is quickly becoming a household term. They are drugs, supplements, and other substances that can improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, including memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals. This definition comes from Wikipedia. In nature, this product is brain food. It can also come in various forms. A lot of us take it daily in countless foods we consume. That being said, with technological development, it can also be derived into liquids.
Natural caffeine is also one of the brain foods that enhance nootropics. However, as we all know, caffeine also can have some nasty side effects. When the caffeine content is too high it can cause the shakes, jitters, and often times a headache. Most people will experience a great high or energy boost from the caffeine and then a huge crash within a few hours later.
This is an amazing product and you will get all the advantages with none of the side effects. It starts with natural caffeine in the form of green coffee bean extract and niacin. You get all the energy boost you need, mental clarity, mood enhancement, and an overall feeling of well-being without the crash that other energy drinks give you. So with just a snap of a small packet, you can slip it under your tongue for about 15 seconds and swallow.
What Are The Rules
- Supplement makers can make general claims about connections between their supplement and the bodys “structure and function.” For example, a vitamin maker touting calcium in a product can say its good for bone health although calcium supplements may offer little or nothing for most people with healthy bones, diets rich in calcium, and no medical condition requiring extra calcium.
- Supplement makers cannot claim their product treats or prevents a particular disease. That disclaimer, which may seem to contradict marketing promises, must appear on every package. So, commercials suggesting that a supplement can reverse or slow Alzheimers disease, or any dementia, are perilously close to running afoul of the rules on marketing supplements. The makers of Prevagen have been warned before about making deceptive claims by the Federal Trade Commission and New York states attorney general in 2017).
Read Also: Is Alzheimer’s A Type Of Dementia
Are There Any Side Effects
The manufacturer says that Prevagen is safe to use.
However, the FDA received various reports on adverse side effects including seizures, worsening symptoms of multiple sclerosis, strokes, chest pain, heart arrhythmias, syncope, tremors, and vertigo.
We also found various side effects reported by users including
- Severe constipation
- Painful leg muscles
One customer wrote on Amazon:
After taking this product for about 30 days, I had a grand mal seizure, while driving. Ive never had a seizure or any neurological disorder before in my life. I am a fit healthy 50 yr old female. In doing research, I found that side effects found in test studies included seizures and strokes. Because this product is over-the-counter, the manufacturer does not have to report this information.
Can Prevagen Treat Alzheimers Disease & Dementia
No, Prevagen cannot treat or reverse Alzheimers Disease, dementia, or any other cognitive diseases. Prevagens manufacturer knows that this product cannot treat any diseases, and they say so explicitly on their website. They make a big deal out of being a dietary supplement, not a drug. Yet Alzheimers Disease patients frequently ask if Prevagen can help them.
The thinking here is that, if Prevagen can help with mild cognitive impairment, then maybe it is good for more serious cases of cognitive impairment, like Alzheimers and dementia.
This thinking is deeply flawed, of course. The studies that report benefits from apoaequorin do not show significant improvements in memory function only slight differences.
The experts have made it clear that there is no way Prevagen is capable of affecting the progression or severity of conditions like Alzheimers Disease, dementia, or any other condition related to brain health.
For practical purposes, doing daily brain teasers is likely going to have the same benefits as taking Prevagen every day, only without any of the safety concerns that come with using weird proteins taken from jellyfish, and without the $500 a year price tag. Looking after your brain health and practicing memory tests on a regular basis will probably do more for your memory than Prevagen ever could!
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Apoaequoring Research Evidence: Far From Convincing
Right away in the Madison Study report, the researchers state that there was no statistically meaningful difference in memory function between all treatment groups and placebo over the 90 days.
However, the scientists did find a pattern int he data. It seems apoaequorin improved memory function in people with mild cognitive impairment:
While no statistically significant results were observed over the entire study population, there were statistically significant results in the AD8 0-1 and AD8 0-2 subgroups. These subgroups contain individuals with either minimal or no cognitive impairment, and are the appropriate population for a dietary supplement intended to support people with mild memory loss associated with aging.
This sounds promising, until you see the statistically significant improvements in memory function theyre talking about.
At Day 60 of the trial, the best responding group to apoaequorin showed a 7% improvement in ISL scores . At the same point in the trial, the placebo control group showed a 4% improvement.
WOW!
THATS A 3% EDGE IN FAVOR OF APOAEQUORIN!
This is in the group of strongest responders.
In the other subgroup identified by Quincy Biosciences data as good responders, the difference between placebo and treatment groups was 0.84% at Day 60.
Ill repeat: THIS IS NOT AN INDEPENDENT, PEER-REVIEWED CLINICAL TRIAL.
It is not a study.
Dont fall for it.
What is in Prevagen?
Price And Value For Money
Prevagens price is around $40 on Amazon and the official website. Its a disappointing value for money, considering that it only has one ingredient that works a basic vitamin which you can get for a couple of dollars online.
Aricepts price depends on your medical insurance plan and other factors. You can only get it via a doctors prescription! Its not available OTC like Prevagen.
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Oxidative Stress Hypotheses Of Ad
Recent studies have developed a keen interest in the role of oxidative stress in neurologic disorders. There are indications that free radicals have a role in Parkinsons disease , Downs syndrome , head injury, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, and AD 32. The CNS is particularly sensitive to damages induced by free radical because of the high lipid content, high oxygen utilization rate, and less presence of antioxidant enzymes in the brain compared to other tissues 33. The most interesting part of the oxidative stress hypothesis for neurodegenerative diseases is that accumulative oxidative injury over a long time could lead to a late onset and progression of neurodegenerative disease 33,34,35.
How To Manage Depression And Memory Loss
Disclaimer: As BetterHelp Affiliate, We may receive compensation from BetterHelp or other sources if you purchase products or services through the links provided on this page.
With that, there are other strategies which you can follow to manage the memory loss in everyday life including:
- Keep reminders in your phone and mention the tasks that must be done at the same time.
- Keep your focus aligned towards one work at a time.
- Make sure that you work in a distraction free environment.
- Commit yourself to consume all the required information in the memory.
Recommended Reading: What Types Of Alzheimer’s Are There
Does Prevagen Help To Improve Memory
UPDATE on Prevagen10/4/17. The Federal Trade Commission and the New York attorney filed a lawsuit against the maker of Prevagen in January, 2017. They charged the marketers of Prevagen with making deceptive memory and cognitive improvement claims. This supplement is heavily advertised on television as clinically shown to improve short term memory. According to the company that makes Prevagen, Quincy Bioscience:
On September 29, Judge Louis Stanton of the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York dismissed the Federal Trade Commission and the New York Attorney Generals complaint against Quincy Bioscience, the makers of Prevagen.
The Best Memory Supplements For Seniors 3 Pre
There are also some pre-formulated supplements that I think are great for helping seniors stay on top of their game.
They are:
The company that makes Mind Lab Pro, Opti-Nutra, has some of the highest standards for quality Ive ever seen.
Mind Lab Pro places a lot of emphasis on protecting the brain from free radical damage, and on long term brain health.
If youd like to know more about Mind Lab Pro, feel free to read my full product review.
Another excellent option for improving your overall brain function is Awaken Gold, from Awakened Alchemy.
If youd like to know more about Awaken Gold, feel free to read my full review.
Finally, the third option I think is worth your time and money is Performance Lab Mind.
Performance Lab Mind is also made by Opti-Nutra, the same company that makes Mind Lab Pro. They only use the best ingredients.
Thats why I recommend their products all the time.
The main advantage of using PLM is its flexibility. Its a very basic supplement with only 4 ingredients.
It was purposely designed to be used as a base, so that people can customize their optimization plan with some individual nootropics of their choice.
You can read more about Performance Lab Mind by . Itll take you to my full product review.
The other nice thing about Performance Lab Mind is that its easy on the pocketbook. If you want to compare prices on these 3 top grade supplements, this is a basic breakdown.
Mind Lab Pro
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Does Coconut Oil Help Prevent Dementia
There have been some claims that coconut oil could be used as a treatment, or even a cure, for Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is currently not enough experimental evidence to back up these claims.The claim is based on the theory that the brain cells of people with Alzheimer’s disease are unable to use glucose to produce energy properly, and so the nerve cells ‘starve’.
Some believe coconut oil may act as an alternative energy source for the brain. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to know whether this is the case.