Does Prevagen work? That’s the question many people ask when they see this brain supplement on TV, in a Fox News commercial, or on the shelves at Walgreens and CVS. Marketed as a memory and brain health booster, Prevagen claims to help with sharper thinking and clearer memory — but with lawsuits, FDA warnings, and plenty of debate around its main ingredient, it’s important to look at the actual evidence before deciding if it’s worth your money.
What Prevagen Claims
Prevagen is sold as an over-the-counter brain health supplement that you can find at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and online retailers. The commercials — often on Fox News and other TV networks — highlight pharmacists and everyday users who say it supports memory, clearer thinking, and sharper focus. The star ingredient is apoaequorin, a protein originally discovered in jellyfish, which the company markets as the key to better cognitive function.
On the bottle and in ads, you’ll see promises like:
- “Improves memory”
- “Supports healthy brain function”
- “Helps with mild memory loss associated with aging”
The branding positions Prevagen as the #1 pharmacist-recommended memory support supplement, pointing to surveys as proof of credibility. These claims sound appealing — especially if you’re worried about memory lapses — but the real question isn’t what Prevagen says about itself, it’s whether the science and regulators back it up.
The Science Check: What the Evidence Says
When you look past the commercials and glossy “#1 memory supplement” branding, the biggest question remains: does Prevagen work based on real science? The short answer is no credible evidence shows it improves memory in the general population.
The Company’s Own Study
Prevagen’s maker, Quincy Bioscience, often points to a single clinical trial called the Madison Memory Study. In this study, some older adults reported slight memory improvements. But here’s the catch:
- The study as a whole showed no statistically significant benefit.
- The company highlighted only certain subgroups (a practice critics call “cherry-picking” or p-hacking).
- Independent experts reviewing the data concluded that the results were not reliable enough to prove Prevagen works.
FTC and FDA Concerns
In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the New York Attorney General sued Quincy Bioscience, claiming the marketing was false and misleading. Regulators argued that:
- Prevagen’s main ingredient, apoaequorin, is broken down in the stomach like any other protein and is unlikely to reach the brain at all.
- The scientific evidence cited by the company did not support broad claims of memory improvement.
By 2024, a federal court issued a permanent injunction, banning Prevagen from making unproven memory claims in its advertising.
Legal Battles & FTC Findings
If you’ve ever wondered why does Prevagen get so much criticism, the answer lies in the courtroom. For years, regulators have accused its maker, Quincy Bioscience, of exaggerating benefits and misleading consumers.
The FTC & NY Attorney General Lawsuit
In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the New York Attorney General jointly sued Quincy Bioscience. Their case claimed that:
- Prevagen’s advertising promised “improved memory within 90 days” without credible proof.
- The company’s main clinical trial didn’t show overall memory benefits.
- Any improvements highlighted came only from tiny subgroups — not reliable evidence.
The FTC called this “false and unsubstantiated advertising.”
Court Decisions and Restrictions
After years of litigation, in 2024 a federal jury agreed that the ads were misleading. The court issued a permanent injunction stopping Quincy from making memory-related claims unless backed by solid science. This ruling forced the company to tone down its ads — although bottles on shelves still say things like “supports memory.”
Safety & Side Effects
Even if you set aside the question of does Prevagen work, you still need to ask: is Prevagen safe to take?
FDA Scrutiny
The FDA has questioned Quincy Bioscience about its manufacturing practices and handling of adverse event reports. Investigations found that the company did not always report serious side effects — including seizures and strokes — as required by law.
Reported Side Effects
While Prevagen is generally tolerated by many users, reported side effects have included:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion or memory problems
- More serious events like seizures (rare but noted in FDA correspondence)
Because apoaequorin is a protein, it’s broken down in the stomach, and there’s no clear evidence it even reaches the brain.
Bottom Line on Safety
Prevagen may be sold over the counter at Walgreens and CVS, but “OTC” doesn’t mean “FDA approved.” Until stronger studies are done, consumers are relying on the company’s word for both safety and effectiveness — something regulators have already flagged as unreliable.
What Experts Say
- Harvard Medical School: “No credible evidence that Prevagen improves memory or thinking.”
- Consumer Reports: Calls Prevagen “unproven and overpriced.”
- CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest): Described Prevagen’s marketing as “one of the most brazen deceptions in the history of dietary supplements.”
- Neurologists: Stress that lifestyle — exercise, sleep, nutrition — outperforms any single supplement for memory support.
Smarter, Holistic Brain & Immune Support Options
If you’ve been asking does Prevagen work, here’s the bottom line: no supplement with one flashy ingredient is going to solve memory or focus by itself. Real brain and body health comes from covering your bases — nutrients your cells can absorb, and natural compounds that support immune and neurological resilience.
Why I Choose Root-Cause Support
Instead of gambling on marketing hype, I look at products that:
- Deliver essential nutrients your body actually uses.
- Provide broad-spectrum support for brain and immune balance.
- Have real science or tradition behind them.
My Go-To Recommendations
Host Defense MyCommunity (17-Mushroom Blend)
This is my top immune and cognitive support pick. It’s not just lion’s mane — it’s 16 other mushrooms like reishi, cordyceps, and turkey tail working together. Created by mycologist Paul Stamets, this blend has been studied for its ability to help immune balance and support healthy brain function.
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin
Most multis fail because they’re low-quality and poorly absorbed. This one-a-day is clean, hypoallergenic, and includes active B vitamins, CoQ10, choline, and lutein — nutrients tied directly to energy, vision, and cognitive performance.
The Brundell Co Daily Essentials Pack
Here’s the best part: you don’t have to chase these products down separately. I’ve bundled both MyCommunity and Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. — plus a few supporting essentials — into the Brundell Co Daily Essentials Pack.
Why this pack works:
- No wasted money on fillers or formulas that just give you “expensive pee.”
- Complete coverage of brain, immune, and foundational health.
- Perfect starter kit if you want to get serious about wellness without buying a shelf full of bottles.
Want to dig deeper? Check out my post on Why Most Multivitamins Don’t Work (and How to Actually Absorb Them) — it explains why this pack was built to avoid the mistakes that make 90% of multivitamins useless.
Prevagen FAQ – 2025 Honest Answers
1. Does Prevagen work?
No strong evidence shows that Prevagen improves memory or thinking. Its main ingredient, apoaequorin, is digested like any other protein and is unlikely to reach the brain.
2. Is Prevagen FDA approved?
No. Prevagen is a dietary supplement, which means it’s not FDA approved for safety or effectiveness.
3. What are Prevagen side effects?
Reported side effects include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and confusion. In rare cases, seizures have been reported to the FDA.
4. Is Prevagen safe to take?
Prevagen is sold over the counter, but that doesn’t guarantee safety. Regulators have raised concerns about unreported adverse events, so caution is advised.
5. Is Prevagen approved for memory loss or dementia?
No. Prevagen is not FDA approved to treat Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or age-related memory loss.
6. What is the active ingredient in Prevagen?
Apoaequorin, a protein originally found in jellyfish. However, studies show it likely breaks down in digestion and doesn’t reach the brain.
7. How much does Prevagen cost?
A bottle usually costs between $40 and $70 for a one-month supply, making it one of the more expensive supplements on store shelves.
8. Is there scientific evidence that Prevagen works?
The only clinical trial, funded by the company itself, found no overall benefits. Subgroup results highlighted in ads were criticized as cherry-picked and unreliable.
9. Has Prevagen been sued?
Yes. In 2017, the FTC and New York Attorney General sued Quincy Bioscience for false advertising. In 2024, a federal court ruled that Prevagen’s memory claims were misleading.
10. Where can you buy Prevagen?
It’s widely available at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Amazon, and other major retailers.
11. How long does Prevagen take to work?
Ads claim benefits in 90 days, but no credible research supports that timeline.
12. Can Prevagen help with Alzheimer’s disease?
No. Experts emphasize there is no evidence that Prevagen prevents, slows, or treats Alzheimer’s or dementia.
13. Is Prevagen covered by insurance or Medicare?
No. Because it’s a dietary supplement, it is not covered by health insurance or Medicare.
14. What are the best alternatives to Prevagen?
Evidence-based options include lion’s mane mushrooms, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and high-quality multivitamins such as Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.
15. Should I buy Prevagen or skip it?
Most experts say to skip Prevagen. Lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management are proven to help memory. If you want supplements, choose options with stronger scientific support.
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Want more straight talk on supplements and wellness? Here are a few posts I’ve written that you might find helpful:
- Qunol Magnesium Review: Worth It or Just Another Supplement?
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References
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC). FTC and NY Attorney General sue Quincy Bioscience over Prevagen claims
- Harvard Health Publishing. Court ruling curbs unfounded claims for memory supplement
- Verywell Health. Does jellyfish protein work for memory loss?
- Wired. Prevagen made millions — while the FDA questioned its safety
- WebMD. Apoaequorin: What to Know
- Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. Cognitive Vitality: Apoaequorin
- GoodRx. Prevagen for memory loss: Claims, side effects, and alternatives
- NutritionFacts.org. Does Prevagen really work?
- Verywell Health. Best multivitamins of 2025
- Host Defense Mushrooms. MyCommunity 17-species blend
Health Disclaimer
This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. I am not a doctor, and the content here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement routine. Any products or links mentioned are suggestions only, and your results may vary.
Devin Brundell is the founder of Brundell Co., a wellness platform dedicated to natural healing, lifestyle medicine, and intentional living. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) and a Bachelor’s in Holistic Health Sciences from Quantum University. Devin is also finalizing certification as a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner through the AADP. His mission is to empower others to reclaim health through practical tools, clean living, and purpose-driven change — one intentional choice at a time.