Chances are you know someone with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. This is due in part to the fact that as our elderly population grows, so does the number of people dealing with serious cognitive and health-related problems.
Not surprisingly, this demographic shift has been accompanied by an increase in the number of marketers trying to trick this population, marketing products that make unproven claims that they can prevent, treat, delay, or even cure Alzheimer's disease.
These so-called miracle cures are sold primarily online. They are often, though not always, falsely marketed as dietary supplements. Regardless of how they are marketed, these products are not based on real science. What these companies are selling is the false hope that there is an effective treatment or cure.
At best, the products offered by these scam artists will have no effect on the patient; at worst, they may pose a danger to the patient who takes them. Not only will they not achieve what they claim to cure, the ingredients in these products may interact with, and potentially interfere with, essential medications. Furthermore, these products have not been tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Israeli Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their safety and effectiveness. These products are a waste of money and may also prevent consumers from receiving the care and support they need for their illness.
Beware of unproven claims about Alzheimer's treatments. Remember the saying, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is"? Unfortunately, when faced with a serious health problem, even the most rational person can be led to believe unreasonable claims. And indeed, that's what companies selling fake treatments rely on.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from fake treatments is to ask yourself: Does the claim seem overly promising and does it contradict what you’ve heard from reputable sources about Alzheimer’s disease treatments? Companies selling unproven Alzheimer’s treatments often include a variety of claims that lack scientific support and will make broad statements about the supposed healing powers of their products.
These include statements such as:
"You can even reverse the course of mental decline related to dementia or even Alzheimer's in just a week."
"Supplements are used to cure Alzheimer's disease"
"Can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's in half"
"It may have a role in preventing the progression of Alzheimer's."
"Clinically proven to help treat brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and even dementia."
Another red flag is that many of the claims made by these companies about the supposed healing powers of their products are often not limited to Alzheimer's disease. Consumers should steer clear of products that claim to cure or treat a wide range of unrelated diseases.
How to protect yourself
Here are some other ways to protect yourself and others from fake Alzheimer's treatments:
- Be skeptical of any product that also claims to be a “scientific breakthrough.” Companies that market these products take advantage of people when they are most vulnerable and are often looking for a miracle cure.
- Always check with your doctor or healthcare professional before purchasing or using any over-the-counter product, including those labeled as dietary supplements.
Much scientific research has been done on Alzheimer's disease, but at this time, no drug or treatment has been proven to stop or reverse the progression of the disease. Several prescription medications have been approved by the FDA to treat people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Most medications work best for people in the early stages of the disease and can slow down some symptoms, such as memory loss, for a while. But none of these medications completely stops the disease itself.
Drug development and the FDA approval process require research and clinical trials to ensure that new drugs are effective and safe. For patients who want access to investigational drugs, there are legal ways to do so, such as participating in clinical trials.
The FDA is taking action against companies that market unapproved new drugs that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure Alzheimer's disease and a number of other diseases and health conditions.
For reliable information on drug treatment for a person with dementia, please refer to the document approved by the Scientific Council of the EMDA Dementia Association.
