Prevagen memory supplement lawsuit—does it really work or just good marketing?

By Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI, Harvard Medical SchoolReviewed by Eureka Health Medical Group
Published: June 27, 2025Updated: June 27, 2025

Summary

Prevagen’s active ingredient, apoaequorin, has not been proven in well-designed clinical trials to improve memory. Lawsuits from the Federal Trade Commission and multiple state attorneys general allege the company exaggerated benefits. The only published company-funded study showed changes on 1 of 9 cognitive tests—too small to be clinically meaningful. In short, the evidence is weak, and legal actions underline that concern.

Does Prevagen improve memory better than placebo?

The published research on Prevagen consists mainly of one small, company-funded trial with 218 adults, no independent replication, and modest statistical findings. Results showed a benefit on just 1 of 9 memory tasks after 90 days—an effect that experts consider indistinguishable from chance. “Our appraisal finds no robust evidence that apoaequorin yields clinically meaningful cognitive gains,” says the team at Eureka Health.

  • Only one peer-reviewed human trial existsThe 2016 Madison Memory Study is the sole published human trial and was sponsored by the manufacturer.
  • Statistically significant on only 11 percent of measured outcomesParticipants taking Prevagen improved on 1 of 9 neuropsychological tests, a pattern likely due to chance multiple-comparison effects (p≈0.04).
  • No independent replicationIn the nine years since launch, no academic labs have reproduced the claimed benefit, a red flag for scientific validity.
  • Benefit smaller than minimal clinically important differenceThe observed effect size (Cohen’s d≈0.2) is below the 0.5 threshold neurologists regard as noticeable in daily life.
  • Federal regulators reported Prevagen’s own study showed no advantage over placeboThe 2017 FTC and New York Attorney General complaint states the Madison Memory Study “failed to show a statistically significant improvement in the treatment group over the placebo group on any of the nine computerized cognitive tasks,” contradicting the supplement’s ads. (FTC)
  • 2024 jury found Prevagen’s eight advertising claims unsupported by scienceIn March 2024, a federal jury determined Quincy Bioscience was liable for false advertising after concluding that none of Prevagen’s eight marketing statements were substantiated by reliable scientific evidence. (MedShadow)

References

Which memory problems are warning signs that need a doctor right away?

Mild forgetfulness is common with aging, but certain patterns point to serious neurologic disease. Acting quickly can preserve brain function. “Sudden disorientation to place or time is never a normal part of aging,” warns Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI.

  • Rapid progression over weeksLosing the ability to manage finances or medications within a month suggests vascular dementia or autoimmune encephalitis—not just normal aging.
  • Getting lost in familiar neighborhoodsSpatial disorientation raises concern for early Alzheimer’s and warrants a formal neurocognitive exam.
  • Personality or behavior changesIrritability, apathy, or new paranoia can signify frontotemporal dementia rather than memory-only decline.
  • Neurologic symptoms alongside memory lossDouble vision, imbalance, or new headaches point to stroke, tumor, or normal-pressure hydrocephalus and require emergent imaging.

What did the Prevagen lawsuits reveal about its evidence and marketing claims?

In 2017 the FTC and New York Attorney General sued Quincy Bioscience, alleging unsubstantiated “clinically proven” marketing. Class-action suits in California, Illinois, and Florida soon followed. Courts have allowed several cases to move forward, emphasizing that consumers may have been misled.

  • Regulators challenged “clinically proven” advertisingThe FTC complaint noted that the trial failed its primary endpoint before data-mining for positive secondary outcomes.
  • Internal emails showed abandoned placebo-controlled designsCourt documents revealed the company moved from an initial 12-month, placebo-controlled design to a shortened 90-day study after recruitment problems.
  • Company paid multimillion-dollar settlementsQuincy Bioscience agreed to refund up to USD 2.5 million to consumers in a 2020 class settlement, without admitting wrongdoing.
  • Litigation still active in several statesAs of 2025, suits in Illinois and California are proceeding to discovery, keeping legal pressure on the manufacturer.
  • Jury found eight advertising statements lacked reliable scientific backingAt trial, the jury concluded that all eight challenged claims—such as “improves memory” and “reduces memory problems associated with aging”—were unsupported by “competent and reliable scientific evidence.” (SupplySide)
  • Madison Memory Study showed no significant benefit on 9 of 9 cognitive tasksThe FTC complaint highlighted that Prevagen’s sole clinical study failed to demonstrate statistically significant improvement over placebo on any of the nine computerized cognitive measures it originally set out to test. (Brain&Memory)

References

Which daily habits outperform Prevagen for supporting memory?

Lifestyle interventions carry stronger evidence than any over-the-counter memory pill. Simple, consistent actions can reduce dementia risk by up to 40 percent, according to Lancet Commission data. “A brisk 30-minute walk supplies more neurotrophic benefit than any single supplement,” says the team at Eureka Health.

  • Aerobic exercise three times a weekRandomized trials show 1–2-point gains on Montreal Cognitive Assessment after six months of brisk walking.
  • Mediterranean-style dietHigh intake of leafy greens, nuts, and olive oil correlates with a 30 percent slower cognitive decline in the Chicago Health and Aging Project.
  • 7–8 hours of sleepDeep-sleep phases enable amyloid-β clearance; adults sleeping under six hours show 15 percent faster hippocampal atrophy on MRI.
  • Blood-pressure control below 120/80 mmHgThe SPRINT-MIND trial linked intensive BP management to a 19 percent lower risk of mild cognitive impairment.
  • FTC analysis found Prevagen performed no better than placeboThe agency’s complaint states the company’s own Madison Memory Study showed no statistically significant advantage over placebo on any primary cognitive measure, undercutting the supplement’s claims. (FTC)
  • New York jury deemed Prevagen’s memory-improvement claims deceptiveA 2024 verdict determined that all eight advertised statements about improved memory and cognition lacked reliable scientific support, leading the state to seek a permanent injunction against Quincy Bioscience. (NYAG)

References

Which lab tests and prescription options matter more than another supplement?

Cognitive complaints often trace to reversible medical issues detectable on basic panels. When warranted, prescription medications have level-1 evidence, unlike apoaequorin.

  • Rule out common metabolic causes firstCheck TSH, B12, folate, CMP, CBC, and HbA1c—up to 12 percent of “memory loss” cases resolve after correcting deficiencies.
  • Consider imaging if red flags appearMRI brain with contrast identifies tumors, NPH, or small-vessel ischemia that a supplement cannot address.
  • FDA-approved cholinesterase inhibitorsDonepezil and rivastigmine improve Mini-Mental State Exam scores by 2–3 points over six months in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s.
  • Emerging disease-modifying antibodiesLecanemab reduced amyloid burden by 27 percent and slowed decline by 0.45 CDR-SB points in phase 3 trials.
  • Regulators said Prevagen’s own study showed no statistical benefit over placeboThe 2017 FTC and New York complaint noted that the Madison Memory Study failed to demonstrate any significant cognitive improvement, supporting allegations that the supplement’s claims were unsubstantiated. (FTC)
  • 2024 jury found Quincy Bioscience liable for false advertising on all eight memory-improvement claimsA federal jury concluded the company’s marketing statements about Prevagen lacked “competent and reliable scientific evidence,” underscoring the absence of level-1 data behind apoaequorin. (Jurimatic)

References

How can Eureka’s AI doctor help you decide whether Prevagen is worth it?

Sorting marketing claims from medical evidence is hard during a 10-minute office visit. Eureka’s AI doctor reviews studies in seconds, compares your symptoms to diagnostic criteria, and outlines next steps you can take to your clinician.

  • Personalized cognitive checklistAnswer 15 evidence-based questions and receive a probability score for mild cognitive impairment versus normal aging.
  • Automated literature scansEureka surfaces PubMed abstracts supporting—or refuting—supplements, saving you hours of research.
  • Medication and lab suggestions reviewed by humansIf the AI flags possible B12 deficiency, our medical team can approve a lab order the same day.
  • Data privacy at its coreAll health information is encrypted; no data are sold to third parties, complying with HIPAA standards.

Why thousands trust Eureka’s AI doctor for brain-health guidance

Users facing memory worries often feel dismissed. Eureka gives them a private, judgment-free space to track symptoms, request testing, and explore treatment options. Women using Eureka for menopause-related brain fog rate the app 4.8 out of 5 stars for helpfulness.

  • 24/7 availabilityChat with the AI doctor anytime symptoms arise, even at 2 a.m.
  • Step-by-step action plansReceive a tailored, printable list of lifestyle, lab, and medication options to discuss with your clinician.
  • Symptom tracking that mattersDaily prompts quantify forgetfulness episodes and trend them against sleep, stress, and blood pressure.
  • Human oversight for safetyBoard-certified physicians review every prescription and imaging order before it is finalized.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is apoaequorin found naturally in the human brain?

No. Apoaequorin is a jellyfish-derived calcium-binding protein; humans do not produce it.

Can Prevagen interact with my blood-pressure medication?

There are no published interaction studies, but because the capsule contains vitamin D, monitor calcium levels if you take thiazide diuretics.

How long would I need to take Prevagen to see any effect?

The manufacturer claims 90 days, yet the only trial showed minimal benefit even at that mark.

Is it safe to take Prevagen if I have chronic kidney disease?

No safety data exist for estimated GFR under 60 mL/min; discuss any supplement with your nephrologist first.

Does Medicare cover cognitive testing?

Yes. Annual Wellness Visits include a brief cognitive screen at no out-of-pocket cost.

What is a reasonable first lab panel for new memory complaints?

Most neurologists start with TSH, vitamin B12, folate, CMP, CBC, and fasting glucose.

Could omega-3 fish oil help more than Prevagen?

Large RCTs like VITAL-Cog found no significant cognitive benefit from 1 g/day EPA+DHA in healthy adults over five years.

Are there prescription drugs that truly prevent Alzheimer’s?

Not yet. Lecanemab and donanemab slow progression but do not prevent disease onset.

How much aerobic exercise is enough to support memory?

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly, divided over three to five sessions.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medical recommendations.

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