In early January the company behind Lumosity, the popular “brain training” program advertised as helping prevent cognitive impairment, “agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges alleging that they deceived consumers with unfounded claims that Lumosity games can help users perform better at work and in school, and reduce or delay cognitive impairment associated with age and other serious health conditions,” according to a press release from the FTC.
The company sold subscriptions to its “brain building” products and services, with options ranging from monthly ($14.95) to lifetime ($299.95) memberships. “Lumosity preyed on consumers’ fears about age-related cognitive decline, suggesting their games could stave off memory loss, dementia, and even Alzheimer’s disease,” said Jessica Rich, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “But Lumosity simply did not have the science to back up its ads.” Count II of the FTC’s complaint states:
Defendants have represented, directly or indirectly, expressly or by implication, that training with the Lumosity Program reduces cognitive impairment associated with health conditions, including Turner syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and side effects of chemotherapy. The representations . . . are false or were not substantiated at the time the representations were made.