over the counter drugs
'Brain power' Pills
28/05/10 08:01 Filed in: Alzheimer's | Alzheimer's disease treatment
Here is an article worth reading and sharing. People dealing with the ‘beast’ called Alzheimer’s disease are willing to try anything to help their loved ones. The only answer is to accelerate research into the cause and prevention of devastating neurological disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease. Many thanks to Richard Martin at the St. Pete Times for bringing this issue to the forefront. Again, read and share this important information.
“TAMPA — Dr. Amanda Smith is a specialist in treating Alzheimer's disease, so she's accustomed to desperate families grasping at hope as they watch their loved ones disappear into dementia.
But her annoyance is clear when she recalls one woman who came into the office recently, holding a newspaper clipping touting a product's power to "reverse memory loss by up to 10 to 15 years."
"Did you see this article?' the woman asked, clearly excited.
What she held in her hand was an advertisement for Procera AVH, one of many over-the-counter pills claiming to boost brain power. Containing various herbs, extracts and nutrients (though the labeling usually is not precise), these products are finding their target in a rapidly aging population. They represent a growing share of the $25.2 billion-a-year nutritional supplement industry.
"Clear away 'brain fog,' " claim the makers of Procera AVH, which sells for about $1 a pill, plus shipping and handling. "Guaranteed to support your memory in as little as two weeks or your money back!" boasts another popular product, Focus Factor, which costs slightly less.
"It makes me angry," said Smith, medical director of the Byrd Alzheimer's Institute at the University of South Florida. "I come to work every day legitimately trying to find a cure for Alzheimer's. These people give people false hope."
But is it all false hope? Do the products provide any benefits?” READ THE FULL ST. PETE TIMES ARTICLE HERE
'Brain power' pills raise patients' hopes, physicians' worries
By Richard Martin, St. Pete Times Staff Writer“TAMPA — Dr. Amanda Smith is a specialist in treating Alzheimer's disease, so she's accustomed to desperate families grasping at hope as they watch their loved ones disappear into dementia.
But her annoyance is clear when she recalls one woman who came into the office recently, holding a newspaper clipping touting a product's power to "reverse memory loss by up to 10 to 15 years."
"Did you see this article?' the woman asked, clearly excited.
What she held in her hand was an advertisement for Procera AVH, one of many over-the-counter pills claiming to boost brain power. Containing various herbs, extracts and nutrients (though the labeling usually is not precise), these products are finding their target in a rapidly aging population. They represent a growing share of the $25.2 billion-a-year nutritional supplement industry.
"Clear away 'brain fog,' " claim the makers of Procera AVH, which sells for about $1 a pill, plus shipping and handling. "Guaranteed to support your memory in as little as two weeks or your money back!" boasts another popular product, Focus Factor, which costs slightly less.
"It makes me angry," said Smith, medical director of the Byrd Alzheimer's Institute at the University of South Florida. "I come to work every day legitimately trying to find a cure for Alzheimer's. These people give people false hope."
But is it all false hope? Do the products provide any benefits?” READ THE FULL ST. PETE TIMES ARTICLE HERE
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