A recent social media post by user Liz4SF has garnered attention for asserting ivermectin's "amazing ability" to restore memory and cognitive function in individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The tweet controversially claimed that the healthcare system has "deliberately suppressed this nobel prize winning drug and all of its benefits across a myriad of diseases," based on personal observations of two patients. The user stated, > "I can personally attest to ivermectin's amazing ability to bring back memories, cognitive function, concentration and more that was once considered lost to these diseases."
Despite these anecdotal claims, the broader medical and scientific community maintains that there is no robust clinical evidence to support ivermectin's efficacy in treating dementia or Alzheimer's disease in humans. While some preclinical studies have explored ivermectin as a research tool in neurological models, these findings have not translated into approved human therapies for cognitive decline. Major health organizations globally do not endorse ivermectin for these conditions.
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded in 2015 to William C. Campbell and Satoshi Omura recognized ivermectin's profound impact on global health, specifically for its role in developing novel therapies against parasitic diseases. The drug has been instrumental in combating debilitating conditions such as river blindness (onchocerciasis) and lymphatic filariasis, significantly improving the lives of millions worldwide. This prestigious award acknowledges its established anti-parasitic properties, distinct from any purported neurological benefits.
Ivermectin is an FDA-approved antiparasitic medication, widely used for treating conditions like scabies, strongyloidiasis, and onchocerciasis. However, it has not received regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or similar bodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Current FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer's disease primarily focus on managing symptoms or, more recently, disease modification through targeting amyloid plaques, such as lecanemab and aducanumab.
The assertion of deliberate suppression of ivermectin's benefits for dementia aligns with broader misinformation trends observed during recent years regarding the drug's off-label uses. Medical authorities and regulatory bodies base their recommendations on rigorous clinical trials and scientific evidence, which have not validated ivermectin as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. The lack of scientific backing, rather than suppression, explains its non-inclusion in standard dementia care protocols.