Alzheimer’s Cure: Unproven Treatments Harm Senior Health

Alzheimer’s cure claims are ripping off vulnerable families

Advertisements for an Alzheimer’s cure are everywhere, especially on the internet.

These herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and “medical foods” are promoted as safe, “natural” treatments that enhance memory or delay or prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia. 

Their false claims are supported only with pseudoscience (theories that have no basis in scientific fact), fake testimonials, and hard-sell tactics.

The reality is that these are unregulated products sold by unscrupulous companies and former doctors who prey on vulnerable seniors and families to rip them off and make huge amounts of money.

Reputable organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, the New York Times, and Next Avenue share concerns about the serious harm these dietary supplements and medical foods could cause.

We share 3 key reasons why an unproven Alzheimer’s cure could seriously harm your older adult’s health and explain why 8 commonly advertised treatments should be avoided.

3 reasons why unproven Alzheimer’s medications could be harmful

It’s important to know that, at this time, there are no medications that can cure Alzheimer’s or stop it from progressing. (But healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise could improve symptoms.)

And there’s a huge difference between FDA-approved medications versus supplements, nutraceuticals, and “medical food.”

Alzheimer’s and dementia research or medications based on some of these unproven treatments could potentially be useful in the future, but there are 3 key reasons why it’s important to avoid dementia treatments that aren’t currently FDA-approved.

1. They haven’t been proven to be safe and effective
FDA-approved drugs must go through rigorous review to scientifically prove that they are both safe and effective. 

When something is sold as a supplement, nutraceuticals, or “medical food” the FDA is not authorized to review them for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. 

The problem is that many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong effects in the body. 

That could make them unsafe in some situations and harm or complicate your older adult’s health.

2. There could be serious drug interactions
Dietary supplements can have serious interactions with prescribed medications or reduce their effectiveness. 

Seniors should never take a new supplement without first speaking with their doctor and having them review all their current medications, vitamins, and supplements.

3. The real ingredients are unknown
The FDA oversees the manufacturing process of approved drugs to make sure they contain the ingredients shown on the label in the listed amounts.

But supplements, nutraceuticals, and “medical food” don’t go through strict reviews or quality standards. They’re not FDA-approved.

So you wouldn’t know if the pills truly contain the ingredients shown on the label – and the ingredients that are actually inside could even be harmful.

 

Beware the “Alzheimer’s cure” and avoid 8 commonly advertised treatments

We share essential facts about 8 unproven Alzheimer’s and dementia treatments that are commonly advertised in the U.S., especially on the internet. 

These treatments are NOT recommended by reputable experts, including the Alzheimer’s Association.

If you feel strongly about experimenting with any of these, it’s essential to speak with your older adult’s doctor before adding any supplements or medical foods to their diet. 

That protects their health by preventing a negative drug interaction or a reduction in the effectiveness of their current prescription medications.

1. Caprylic acid / Axona / coconut oil
Caprylic acid is found in medical foods like Axona and in regular coconut oil. 

Some treatments claim that caprylic acid is an alternate energy source for brain cells that are damaged by Alzheimer’s disease.

Manufactured caprylic acid supplements and medical foods being sold by companies could be fake or harmful because they’re not regulated products.

But some families say that regular coconut oil has helped their senior with dementia. However, there isn’t any conclusive scientific evidence that it works. 

But, eating regular coconut oil in small amounts isn’t likely to be harmful.

If you’re interested in testing this theory by adding a small amount of regular coconut oil to your older adult’s diet, first speak with their doctor to make sure it won’t harm their heart health or worsen other health conditions.

2. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10 or ubiquinone, is an antioxidant that’s naturally found in the body. 

It’s unknown what dosage of coenzyme Q10 is considered safe. There could be harmful effects if too much is taken.

CoQ10 hasn’t been studied as a treatment for dementia. A synthetic version called idebenone was tested for Alzheimer’s disease, but didn’t show any benefit. 

3. Coral calcium
Coral calcium supplements have been heavily marketed as a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other serious health conditions. 

The claim is that it’s a form of calcium that’s made from shells from coral reefs and is better absorbed by the body.

In reality, coral calcium has no extra health benefits and isn’t significantly different from regular calcium supplements. There is no scientific evidence that it’s better absorbed by the body.

If your older adult’s doctor has recommended a calcium supplement for bone health, it’s best to buy from a reputable brand.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have already filed formal complaints against companies selling coral calcium.

They did this because there’s no reliable scientific evidence that supports the exaggerated health claims and it’s against the law to make those unproven claims.

4. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a plant extract that’s thought to be an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It’s thought to protect cell membranes and regulate neurotransmitter function. 

It’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is currently being used in Europe for cognitive symptoms associated with neurological conditions.

But results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in 5 U.S. academic medical centers over 8 years showed that ginkgo was not effective in preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s disease.

If you’re interested in testing this theory by adding gingko biloba to your older adult’s diet, first speak with their doctor to make sure it won’t cause any drug interactions or harm.

5. Huperzine A
Huperzine A (HOOP-ur-zeen) is a moss extract used in traditional Chinese medicine. 

It’s marketed as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease because it has properties similar to cholinesterase inhibitors, which are a type of FDA-approved Alzheimer’s medications. 

But in a large-scale U.S. clinical trial of huperzine A as a treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, huperzine A was not better than a placebo (a sugar pill).

Even worse, the huperzine A that’s currently being sold is unregulated and manufactured with no uniform standards.

So, taking a huperzine A supplement could increase the risks of serious side effects, especially if used in combination with FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drugs.

6. Omega-3 fatty acids
Research has shown mixed results in linking omega-3 fatty acid supplements to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.

But some research has also found that a high intake of omega-3s could reduce the risk of dementia or cognitive decline. 

This might be because omega-3s are good for the heart and blood vessels, have anti-inflammatory effects, and support and protect nerve cell membranes.

However, experts say that more research is needed. There isn’t enough evidence to recommend DHA or any other omega-3 fatty acid supplements to treat or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

But eating a few servings of fish per week could help improve cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. This is a healthy and safe way to test if adding fish to their regular diet has cognitive benefits for your older adult.

7. Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine (FOS-fuh-TIE-dil-sair-een) is a kind of fat that’s the primary component of the membranes around nerve cells. 

In Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, nerve cells degenerate for unknown reasons. The thinking behind treatment with phosphatidylserine is that it could strengthen the cell membrane and possibly protect cells from degenerating.

However, experts agree that more research is needed and do not currently recommend use of phosphatidylserine.

Warning: The FDA allows supplements containing very high-quality soy-derived phosphatidylserine to display a “qualified health claim” stating that “Very limited and preliminary scientific research suggests that phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly. FDA concludes that there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim.” This doesn’t mean that it’s FDA approved or that it works.

8. Tramiprosate
Tramiprosate, also known as Alzhemed or ViviMind, is a modified form of taurine, which is an amino acid found in seaweed. It currently has no proven health benefits.

Tramiprosate was tested in a large Phase 3 clinical study as a possible Alzheimer’s treatment, but the trial results were inconclusive. 

Then, the manufacturer decided to stop developing it as a prescription drug and instead sell it on the internet as a “medical food,” which means that it’s not an FDA-regulated drug.

 

Recommended for you:

• 5 FDA-Approved Medications for Alzheimer’s Treatment
• What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
• 3 Stages of Dementia: What to Expect

 

By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: Periodontology & Implantology Dental Clinic

 

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