"I've got nothing to lose by trying it" : weighing up claims about cures and treatments for long-term conditions.

A guide published in 2008 by Sense About Science (a UK registered charity) in cooperation with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Alzheimer's Society and Parkinson's Disease Society, offering advice on how to distinguish the beneficial from the bogus, with respect to media stories about so-called miracle cures, wonder drugs and breakthrough therapies. The 16-page guide is addressed to those suffering from multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other long term conditions, and includes a summary, examples of news items offering hope or hype, advice on trying unproven therapies, the components of a clinical trial, ascertaining the truthfulness of medical claims, and links to other useful resources and organisations.