When people are looking for ways to improve their memory, they have several options regarding medications. First, there are prescription medicines for memory loss, which we’ll cover below. Some supplements like Prevagen claim in marketing to help improve memory. We’ll also talk a bit about supplements below and what you should know about Prevagen side effects.
Prescription Medications for Memory
The FDA approves certain drugs in the U.S. to help with memory loss, cognition, and dementia-related behaviors.
Currently, there aren’t any medicines that can cure Alzheimer’s, but there’s one available medicine that helps with the underlying biology contributing to the disease. Some prescriptions can help with symptoms of memory loss and confusion.
Some of the prescription medicines currently approved for memory-related conditions include:
- Aducanumab (Adulhelm): This medication is an anti-amyloid antibody intravenous infusion. The medicine has been approved for treating Alzheimer’s and works by targeting beta-amyloid, a protein that forms in the brain. The protein then becomes plaques, disrupting communication between nerve cells in your brain. The plaques might also activate the immune cells, which trigger inflammation.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors: Several approved cholinesterase inhibitors include Aricept, Exelon, and Razadyne. These are prescribed for treating memory, thinking, language, and judgment symptoms. They stop the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a chemical messenger vital for learning and memory.
- Glutamate regulators: Namenda is one glutamate regulator prescribed for improving memory, attention, language, reason, and the ability to perform simple tasks. They regulate the activity of glutamate. Glutamate is a chemical messenger which helps the brain process information.
- Orexin receptor antagonist: Belsomra is one drug in this category prescribed to treat insomnia. It has been shown to help people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s in clinical trials.
What About Memory Supplements?
Most people have seen the commercial for Prevagen at least dozens of times. It’s perhaps one of the most well-known of the so-called memory supplements available, but it’s controversial.
The makers of Prevagen claim it’s clinical proof to support memory, a sharper mind, and clearer thinking. In reality, Prevagen and supplements like it aren’t widely studied, and we don’t know if they work the way they claim to.
The makers of Prevagen are careful to point out it’s not intended for people with memory disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Prevagen is supposed to work by reducing calcium levels in the brain. Dysregulated brain calcium is linked to memory declines from aging. There’s no evidence that the active ingredient in Prevagen will cross the blood-brain barrier, though, so it may not work.
There are also Prevagen side effects to be aware of, like nausea, and in some reports, people with multiple sclerosis say it gave them serious side effects.
While Prevagen and similar supplements may not do much for memory, some nutraceuticals might.
Some of the more well-studied supplements and natural ingredients that might help memory include:
- Fish oil and omega-3: Fatty acids are great for your memory, thinking, and reaction times. There’s evidence that DHA in fish oil can boost cognitive abilities, and you can either get this from eating fatty fish or taking supplements.
- Gingko Biloba: This is perhaps the most popular supplement people turn to for memory. In Europe, Ginkgo Biloba is used to improve blood flow to the brain and to help the symptoms of dementia. The herbal supplement may improve focus and memory as well, and it may protect against age-related decline.
- Resveratrol: This plant compound is found primarily in berries and grapes. In a long-term study on older adults, researchers summarized resveratrol might slow brain aging by up to 10 years. In the study, one group took 200 mg daily of resveratrol over six months. The supplement can also help with cerebral brain flow, especially in young people.
- Creatine: This supplement isn’t just for bodybuilders. Creatine may help your cognitive performance. Creatine can help improve the energy supply to your brain, boosting its functions.
- Bacopa monnieri: Also going by the name Brahmi, bacopa is an Ayurvedic herbal remedy that may help with brain health, memory, and anxiety. Bacopa can also potentially reduce inflammation, and in some small studies, it seemed to reduce symptoms of ADHD.
- S-Adenosyl methionine: Also known as SAMe, this molecule is produced inside the body, and you can take it as a supplement. SAMe supplementation may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and improve cognitive performance and brain health.
There are prescription medicines for the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as potentially beneficial herbal supplements and vitamins. If you’re worried about your memory, we encourage you to contact your healthcare provider and get their advice.
