Research

Souvenaid: I’m worried about my memory – should I buy this drink?

What is Souvenaid?

Souvenaid® is a medicinal drink that is made to support the nutritional needs of people with dementia and aid in their memory function. 

It contains an active ingredient called 'Fortasyn Connect'. This is a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and other nutrients. It was developed with the aim of preventing the loss of important connections between brain cells that occurs in Alzheimer’s disease. 

However, there is no evidence that this happens in the people’s brains after taking Souvenaid. 

The Souvenaid trial and results

Souvenaid has been tested in several clinical trials. For these studies, researchers followed groups of people who drank Souvenaid daily. They then compared their memory and thinking skills and changes to their brains with a group of people who drank a similar drink, but which didn't contain the active ingredients. 

The results of these trials have, to date, have been mixed. Some trials have shown some encouraging signs of slowing the decline in memory and thinking skills. However, this has not been robustly repeated across trials or different memory and thinking tests. Also, the most positive the benefits have only been shown in a small group of people, and in those in earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

What do these trial results mean?

From the results published so far, we cannot say that the drink is able to prevent cognitive decline in those with mild cognitive impairment due to the very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.  

Before we can be sure if there is a benefit from drinking Souvenaid, we will need to see it tested rigorously in a much larger group of people.

Although the results of these investigations are are not clear, there are steps we can all take to reduce our risk of dementia such as keeping physically active, not smoking or drinking excessively and eating a healthy balanced diet. It’s never too late to start.  

People who are worried about their memory should not rush out and buy this drink but arrange to speak to your doctor. They can assess your memory and offer advice and support.

Is Souvenaid available in the UK?

Souvenaid is available in the UK. As it is a medical drink, it should not be purchased without first consulting your doctor or memory clinic about whether it is right for you.

It is designated as a food for special medical purposes, rather than a medicine. This means that it is not subject to the same rigorous approval process as pharmaceutical drugs. 

What does Alzheimer's Society think?

Commenting on results published in 2020, Hannah Churchill Research Communications Manager, said:

'Although this nutritional drink is unlikely to have a negative impact, the latest results from this study must be considered in context. 

'New results show less cognitive decline in a small number of people with mild memory problems who consumed the drink daily for three years.

Although this is good news and warrants further investigation, a more expansive study with more people must be conducted before we can be sure benefits of this drink are proven.

'Rather than rushing out to buy this product to combat memory problems or worrying symptoms, we would urge that anyone who is concerned about their memory to speak with their GP in the first instance.
 
'There are steps we can all take to reduce our risk of dementia and it’s never too late to start. Keeping physically active, eating a well-balanced diet and looking after your overall health are key.'