Cracking Down on Illegal Alzheimer’s Treatments

(RxWiki News) Written By Anyssa Garza, PharmD, BCMAS

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against 17 companies that were illegally selling products claiming to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

These 17 companies were selling more than 58 products, including dietary supplements, that were not approved or were misbranded drugs claiming to cure, treat or prevent Alzheimer’s disease. These products, available as tablets, capsules and oils, were being sold online on certain websites and via social media.

The FDA has not reviewed these products. That means they are not proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, these products may delay someone going to see the doctor and getting an appropriate diagnosis and the proper treatment.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. All the medications approved to treat Alzheimer’s disease are available only by prescription, and they do not cure Alzheimer’s disease. The available medications may improve mental function and slow the progression of symptoms, however.

No over-the-counter products are approved to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Some of the companies and products included in this recent FDA action are as follows:

• TEK Naturals and their product Mind Ignite
• John Gray’s Mars Venus LLC and their product L-Glutathione

Over the past five years, the FDA has issued more than 40 warning letters to companies illegally marketing over 80 products claiming to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Although these companies have stopped selling these products, similar new products continue to be sold and marketed. The offending companies can easily create new websites.

It’s very important that consumers be smart online when buying health products — especially when they claim to prevent, treat or cure diseases without any proof they will work. A good rule of thumb is to be cautious of products that sound too good to be true.

Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions about Alzheimer’s disease or the available treatments.