DEAR DR. GOTT: I have seen ads about Procera AVH for memory help. Do you have an opinion or know of any other “something” that might help?
DEAR READER: As we age, the brain loses its capability to function at optimal capacity. It has millions of neurotransmitters, vital for communication. With aging, those neurotransmitters become damaged, resulting in poor concentration and decreased memory capabilities.
Procera AVH is touted as a brain health supplement for anyone who suffers from poor memory, has mental fatigue, or difficulty focusing. It’s a non-prescription supplement developed by a clinical research scientist and a physician who have teamed up with neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, neurologists and cognitive psychologists from several universities and medical schools.
The three primary ingredients in Procera AVH are acetyl-l-carnitine, huperzine and vinpocetine, promoted to increase brain blood flow for mental clarity and sharpness. Let’s see if we can make some sense of these outrageously long words. Acetyl-l-carnitine is an amino acid dietary supplement that is naturally produced in the body where it helps produce energy and is important for heart and brain function, the movement of muscles, and other body processes. It is endorsed by some for Alzheimer’s disease, age-related memory loss, Downs’s syndrome, poor brain circulation, nerve pain from diabetes, and more. Some men use it for low testosterone levels and for Peyronie’s disease.
Huperzine is purified from a plant known as Chinese club moss; however, the product is the result of laboratory manipulation. Huperzine A is used for Alzheimer’s, age-related memory impairment, myasthenia gravis, and for increasing alertness and energy. The product is thought to be beneficial because it causes an increase in the levels of acetylcholine, one of the chemicals our nerves use to communicate in the muscles, brain and other areas.
Vinpocetine is a man-made chemical that resembles a substance found in the periwinkle plant. It is believed this product MIGHT improve blood flow to the brain. Therefore, it is touted as effective in enhancing memory, preventing Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that affect the aged. Other uses for this product include treatment for chronic fatigue, seizure disorders, the prevention of motion sickness, and symptoms of menopause. It is sold by prescription in Germany and while website advertising claim that more than a hundred safety and effectiveness studies have been funded by its Hungarian manufacturer, few double-blind controlled clinical studies have been published. And, as you might know, double-blind controlled clinical studies are thought to be the gold standard for establishing effectiveness and safety. It isn’t completely known how vinpocetine works, but it is believed to perhaps increase blood flow to the brain.
So, to keep things simple, it appears all three core ingredients are designed to improve the flow of blood in the brain. Viola! Theoretically, this should work, but, do they really? Some people have tried this over-the-counter and claim it is the best thing since sliced bread but, being the skeptic I am, I don’t feel I can endorse it until double blind studies have been reported in reputable medical journals. Many physicians feel the supplement lacks scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness. It is not regulated by the federal government. When you couple vague labeling and minimal regulation, there is no way of knowing how much of the three core ingredients are in any product, nor can you determine what their quality is. Can I or any other physician indicate the product won’t work? Absolutely not. However, it is my opinion that individuals with Alzheimer’s or one of the many other forms of dementia should be on drugs approved by the FDA. If you suffer from memory loss to any extent, make an appointment with your physician who may choose to recommend you see a neurologist. Save your money.
Readers who would like related information can order my Health Reports “Alzheimer’s Disease”, “Parkinson’s Disease”, and “Consumer Tips on Medicine” by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 US dollars for each report to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title when writing or print out an order form from my website www.AskDrGottMD.com.
