Do medications like Neuriva (phosphatidylserine) help with memory health?

Neuriva and Similar Memory Supplements Lack Sufficient Evidence for Memory Health Benefits

Medications like Neuriva (containing phosphatidylserine) have not demonstrated clinically significant benefits for memory health and are not recommended as effective interventions for cognitive improvement or memory enhancement.

Evidence Assessment of Memory Supplements

FDA-Approved Medications vs. Supplements

• FDA-approved medications for cognitive impairment include cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine) and memantine, which have demonstrated small but measurable benefits in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia 1
• These prescription medications show approximately 1-3 point improvements on the ADAS-cog scale, with a 4-point change considered clinically significant 1
• In contrast, dietary supplements like Neuriva are not FDA-approved for treating memory problems and do not undergo the same rigorous testing for safety and efficacy 2

Neuriva-Specific Evidence

• The single manufacturer-sponsored study on Neuriva showed only limited improvements in specific cognitive tasks after 42 days of supplementation 3
• These improvements were modest and focused on narrow aspects of cognitive function rather than demonstrating meaningful clinical outcomes related to memory health 3
• The study has significant limitations including small sample size, short duration, and potential conflicts of interest 3

Broader Supplement Market Issues

• The brain health supplement market reached $7.6 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to $15.59 billion by 2030 despite limited scientific evidence 2
• Unlike prescription medications, the FDA does not review or approve dietary supplements for safety or efficacy before they reach the market 2
• Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring product safety and truthfulness of claims, creating potential for misleading marketing 2

Evidence for Common Memory Supplement Ingredients

Phosphatidylserine (in Neuriva)

• Limited evidence supports phosphatidylserine for memory enhancement 2
• Some studies show modest effects on specific cognitive tasks, but these don't translate to clinically meaningful memory improvements 4

Other Common Supplement Ingredients

• No compelling evidence exists for memory benefits from apoaequorin (in Prevagen), coenzyme Q10, coffee extracts, omega-3 fatty acids, or B vitamins 2
• Mixed or inconclusive results exist for gingko biloba, vitamin D, vitamin E, and Huperzine A 2
• A 2004 community survey found that 2.8% of adults aged 60-64 used memory enhancement supplements (primarily gingko biloba, vitamin E, bacopa, and B vitamins), but users showed no objective memory improvement compared to non-users 5

Clinical Recommendations

For Patients Seeking Memory Enhancement

• Focus on evidence-based approaches rather than supplements:
  • Cognitive stimulation and training exercises
  • Regular physical exercise
  • Management of vascular risk factors (hypertension control, diabetes management) 6
  • Adequate sleep and stress management

For Patients with Diagnosed Cognitive Impairment

• FDA-approved medications (cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine) should be considered for diagnosed cognitive impairment based on severity and type 6
• Review and discontinue medications with anticholinergic properties that may worsen cognitive function 6
• Avoid benzodiazepines and minimize use of medications that can impair cognition 6

Potential Risks and Considerations

• Dietary supplements may interact with prescription medications or have undisclosed ingredients
• Financial burden without proven benefit (supplements can be costly)
• False reassurance that may delay seeking appropriate medical evaluation for memory concerns
• Lack of standardization in supplement manufacturing and dosing

Bottom Line

Memory supplements like Neuriva lack robust evidence for effectiveness in improving memory health. Patients concerned about memory should pursue evidence-based approaches including lifestyle modifications and, when appropriate, FDA-approved medications prescribed by healthcare providers rather than over-the-counter supplements.