Age Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI)
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What is Age Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI)?

• AAMI is a common condition characterized by mild memory decline that occurs in many adults as part of the normal aging process.¹
• AAMI is believed to be the result of biological and chemical changes in the aging brain as well as a general shrinkage of brain volume. It is not a neurological disorder.¹
• AAMI happens because, like every other aging organ, the brain’s functioning declines with age.¹
• Not all memory problems are Alzheimer’s disease. Numerous names have been given to common memory problems that occur in older persons that are not necessarily caused by serious neurological problems such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.²
• AAMI is an age-related memory complaint, versus Alzheimer’s disease, which is a neurodegenerative disease.²

• AAMI appears to be highly prevalent across diverse groups of individuals.³
• Close to one in three people aged 60 to 78 is affected by AAMI.²
• AAMI is attributed to normal biological changes that occur as a person ages.^1,4,5,6
• In order to better understand this condition, researchers are studying these biological changes, as well as genetic and environmental factors that may have an impact on symptoms of AAMI.¹

• For a diagnosis of AAMI, an individual must meet the following criteria:^1,7
• Presence of self-reported memory decline;
• Evidence of memory loss, as determined by performance on a standardized memory test;
• Adequate intellectual functioning and absence of dementia or other memory-affecting diseases (e.g. stroke) in a person of 50 years or older.
• AAMI can be diagnosed following:¹
• Neurological examinations;
• Neuropsychological and psychiatric evaluations;
• A physical examination including laboratory tests;
• A review of the individual’s past medical history; and
• A review of the medications the individual is currently taking.
• This evaluation is generally complemented by: ¹
• An individual’s symptoms;
• The speed of symptom onset;
• How the symptoms occur (presentation); and
• The progression of symptoms over time.

• A significant number of elderly individuals live with mild memory problems that are part of the normal aging process. Although many of these problems only mildly interfere with daily life, they may be troublesome to the person experiencing them and affect his or her productivity and quality of life. ¹
• Individuals suffering from AAMI often have difficulty in the following areas:^1,3,4
• Remembering words;
• Remembering names of new acquaintances;
• Misplacing objects;
• Difficulty remembering multiple items to be purchased or multiple tasks to be performed;
• Problems remembering telephone numbers;
• Difficulty recalling information quickly.

• Memory management strategies that may help an individual stay sharp and keep their mind active include:^1,8,9
• Eating a healthy diet;
• Getting regular exercise;
• Staying socially active;
• Reducing stress;
• Doing crosswords;
• Playing chess, or
• Learning a new language.
• Science-based natural health supplements may play an important role in maintaining memory function.¹⁰

1. Age Associated Memory Impairment. NYU Medical Center / NYU School of Medicine, Alzheimer’s Disease Center; 2005 [cited 2008 June 2]. Available at: http://www.med.nyu.edu/adc/forpatients/memory.html
2. Koivisto, K, et al. Prevalence of Age-Associated Memory Impairment in a randomly selected population from eastern Finland. Neurology 1995;45:741-747 [accessed 2008-07-05] Available at: www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/45/4/741
3. Krasuski, Jack S. Behavior and Aging: 2000. Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago; 2000 [accessed 2008-06-02] Available at: http://www.psych.uic.edu/education/courses/behav_science2000/krasuski/behavi~1/sld009.htm).
4. McEntee, W.J. and Crook, Neurology, 40, 1990, 526-530.
5. McEntee, W.J. and Crook, Psychopharmacology (Berl), 103, 1991, 143-149
6. McEntee, W.J. and Crook, Psychopharmacology (Berl), 111, 1993, 391-401
7. Crossing the Line: When should you start to worry about memory loss? Memory Loss and the Brain: 2000.[accessed 2008-06-02] Available at: http://www.memorylossonline.com/pastissues/summer2000/crossingtheline.html)
8. Gomez Pinilla, F. The impact of diet and exercise on brain plasticity and disease. Nutrition and Health, vol.18,no3 (2006), 277-284
9. Your Health & Wellness, Cognitive Aging [accessed 2008-07-05] Available at: www.thirdage.com/ebsco/files/30032.html
10. Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors web site .[accessed 2008-06-19] (http://www.cand.ca/index.php?52&L=0)

VIVIMIND^TM
Fact Sheet - Download PDF
What is VIVIMIND^TM?

• VIVIMIND^TM is a science-based natural health product that has been shown to:¹
• Protect the brain structures associated with memory and learning;
• Preserve memory;
• Sustain brain cell health;
• Maintain verbal skills and comprehension ability;
• Support planning and execution skills.
• VIVIMIND^TM is a patented product based on the naturally occurring ingredient homotaurine which is found in seaweed.

• Age-related changes in the brain that lead to memory loss and cognitive decline include the accumulation of toxic beta-amyloidal proteins in the brain and the loss of brain cells leading to reduction in brain volume, especially the hippocampus, that part of the brain associated with memory and learning.
• VIVIMIND^TM interferes with the amyloid cascade, providing protection against beta amyloidal-induced neurotoxicity².
• VIVIMIND^TM protects the hippocampus, by helping to reduce the volume loss during the course of aging.

• More than fifteen years of combined rigorous scientific research including clinical testing with over 2,000 individuals. In a clinical trial involving over 1,000 individuals in Canada and the United States, VIVIMIND^TM has shown a clinical benefit in protecting memory function².
• Individuals taking VIVIMIND^TM also performed better on memory and thinking tests compared with individuals taking placebo. VIVIMIND^TM was found to improve cognitive performance by 33% versus placebo¹.
• Statistically significant data have shown that homotaurine, the active ingredient in VIVIMIND^TM, can protect the hippocampus, the portion of the brain associated with a human’s ability to learn and remember, by showing that homotaurine reduces the loss of volume by 68%, when compared to untreated individuals¹.

• VIVIMIND^TM has been demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated as seen in over 2,000 individuals receiving the product up to three and a half years.
• Some people may experience symptoms such as nausea, weight loss, dizziness or fainting; the recommended dose should not be exceeded, since people may experience more of these symptoms. In many cases symptoms are temporary.
• Metabolism studies suggest that interactions between VIVIMIND^TM and other products are not likely to occur. However, no specific interaction studies were conducted with other products. For further information, please contact your health care professional.

• VIVIMIND^TM should be taken daily and should be swallowed whole (not crushed, blended or mixed); the recommended adult dose is one to two tablets twice a day at mealtime (in the morning and evening).
• 50 mg tablets come in 30-tab blister packs or in 60-tab blister packs.
• VIVIMIND^TM is available Canada-wide in the pharmacy departments of major retail outlets, in pharmacy chains and in natural health stores.
• Suggested retail price is $39.99 for the 30-tab pack of VIVIMIND^TM.

1. Post – hoc analysis of a North American Phase III trial, publication in preparation
2. North American and European Phase III clinical trials – data on file BELLUS Health Inc.
3. Aisen PS et al. Neurology 2006; 67(10):1757-63
4. 10 Phase I studies in healthy subjects and 2 Phase II studies in Alzheimer Disease and Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy patients

To download a high quality copy of the B-roll footage for VIVIMIND^TM, please send your name, company, telephone number and email address to: Diane Hébert

Serge G. Gauthier, M.D.
Dr. Serge G. Gauthier obtained his medical degree in 1973 from the Université de Montréal and completed his internship at the Royal Victoria Hospital in 1974. Between 1974 and 1978, Dr. Gauthier undertook post-graduate studies at McGill University where he completed his residency program in neurology and a Medical Research Council Fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry.

Dr. Gauthier completed his term as Director of McGill University’s Centre for Studies in Aging. He is a professor in the departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, and Medicine at McGill University. Also an associate member of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, the Centre for Medicine, Ethics and Law, of McGill University, Dr. Gauthier is an associate member of the Laboratoire Théophile-Alajouanine at the Université de Montréal. He is also active as a consultant to the neurology departments of several Montreal hospitals including the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Douglas Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital Centre. Dr. Gauthier is a member of the Douglas Hospital Research Centre.

Jean-Yves Dionne
Pharmacist Jean-Yves Dionne is a scientific advisor and natural-health-product consultant for groups of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, physicians and nutritionists.

Mr. Dionne has published numerous articles in various health and alternative medicine magazines, such as l’Actualité Pharmaceutique and Vitalité Québec. He is the author of SOS Os, des os solides à tout âge, published by Wiley and Sons, and is co-author of Herbs: Everyday Reference for Health Professionals published by the Canadian Pharmacists Association. He is a contributor and reviewer for www.passeportsante.net, and for several popular and scientific magazines.

Mr. Dionne serves on the board of the Natural Health Product Research Society of Canada, as director of communications, and the Table filière des plantes médicinales biologiques du Québec (medicinal herb round table), as director of the distribution sector. He is also a member of the Canadian Natural Product Association and the herbalists’ guild. As well, he regularly lectures post-graduate students at Laval University and the University of Montreal on topics such as pharmacology and toxicology and marketing of natural health products.

Dr. Ruth Anne Baron, ND
Ruth Anne Baron is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing in Toronto since 1994. She is the past Chair of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. Dr. Baron also serves on the University Hospitals Health Network Research Ethics Board.

Dr. Baron lectures regularly throughout Canada to pharmacists, health providers and community groups. Dr. Baron feels that each individual's daily choices are the most important factor in creating well being, and so places a strong emphasis on educating patients about healthy choices that promote wellness in their lives.

Her practice provides patients with all aspects of naturopathic treatment, including botanical medicine, nutrition, acupuncture and homeopathy.

Dr. Baron is certified practitioner of both intravenous therapy and facial rejuvenation acupuncture. She is a member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and has a special interest in natural treatments for cancer patients.

Dr. Baron has been recognized by her peers in the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) as naturopathic doctor of the year, and is the recipient of the OAND President's award for outstanding achievement in naturopathic medicine.

Gary Schmid, President and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Schmid has significant experience in the field of natural health and nutraceuticals. Prior to joining the organization, he was President and CEO at Santé Naturelle A.G. Limited, international manufacturers and marketers of Quebec's market-leading Adrien Gagnon natural health products. At Santé Naturelle, Mr. Schmid succeeded in developing and implementing strategies to support future growth expectations, which translated into significantly increasing sales in domestic and export business segments, and in the launch of 35 new products within 12 months. In addition, Mr. Schmid spent 20 years at Abbott Laboratories Ltd. in a variety of positions of ever-increasing responsibility in sales and marketing where, in 2005, he was appointed General Manager, Abbott Nutrition.

Mr. Schmid is a Commerce graduate of McGill University.

Laurent Choppe, General Manager, Global Marketing and Sales
Dr. Choppe brings extensive international life science experience in managing multi-functional teams and setting up new businesses in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, animal health and direct-to-consumer markets.

Since September 2004, he has been serving as the General Manager of BELLUS Health (International) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of BELLUS Health Inc., located in Switzerland.

After practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Choppe started in the pharmaceutical industry in 1994 by leading the marketing of major prescription drugs in dermatology, allergy, respiratory and animal health at Schering-Plough France. Prior to joining the BELLUS Health Group he was Vice President, Virology, Oncology and Cardiology at Schering-Plough Canada.

Dr. Choppe is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine of the University Paris XII, and earned an MBA from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.

James Stitley, General Manager, US Commercial Operations
Mr. Stitley has developed an extensive background with some of the most recognizable CPG (consumer package goods) companies. He has been responsible for discovering and commercializing new emerging ingredient, product and process developments. He comes to OVOS Natural Health after close to ten years with Schiff (Weider) Nutrition International.

Dupuis Angers, Senior Director, Business Development
Since the mid-1970s, Dupuis Angers has been helping businesses grow and has helped numerous international companies develop business plans and implement distribution networks in the nutritional supplement, functional foods categories and life sciences across North America, Europe and Asia.

Mr. Angers earned an MBA in Finance & Marketing from Harvard University. Before this, he earned a B.Sc. in Pharmacy from the Université de Montréal. He also holds an honours B.A. from Stanislas College. Mr. Angers is a Member of the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec and a past Chair of BioTalent Canada Inc., a council that develops human resources within life sciences.

Stéphane Langevin, Director, Marketing
Mr. Langevin has over a decade of experience in the field of medical marketing, particularly in the areas of brand development, positioning and strategic planning.

Mr. Langevin holds an MBA and a B.A. in Political Science from the Université du Québec à Montréal.

François Bélisle, Sales Director
For over 20 years, François Bélisle has excelled in the area of sales. He has worked for companies with global reach including Kellogg Canada Inc., Effem Inc. (a division of Virginia-based Mars Incorporated) and AG Natural Health Ltd. (a division of C.K. Life Sciences).

Mr. Bélisle has a Diploma in Administration from the Université du Québec à Montréal and a D.E.C. in Commerce with a specialization in Marketing from Collège Bois-de-Boulogne. He is a member of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, the Canadian Frozen Food Manufacturers Association, the Canadian Food Retailers Association and the Canadian Food Brokers Association.

Sophie Tanguay, Director, Regulatory Affairs
Ms. Tanguay has almost 15 years of professional experience in the fields of research and regulatory affairs.

She has developed comprehensive regulatory strategies for the global approval of pharmaceutical products under development, and has reviewed, approved and provided guidance for labeling, advertising and promotional copy for a wide variety of retail branded consumer products.

Ms. Tanguay holds a Master's degree in Neurobiology and a B.Sc. in Biology from Laval University. She is a member of the Canadian Health Food Association, the American Herbal Products Association and the Canadian Association of Professional Regulatory Affairs, and a former member of the Drug Information Association, the Pharmacological Society of Canada, and the Non Prescription Drug Manufacturers Association of Canada.