What specific cognitive functions related to age-related decline must Learningrx support with randomized controlled trials to make claims about?
Learningrx Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
came effective on May 24, 2016 ("Settlement Agreement"). In its principal parts, the Settlement Agreement requires: (1) randomized controlled trials, or RCTs, to support cognitive training-related claims of improved performance at work or in athletics; delay of or protection against age-related decline in memory or other cognitive function; and reduction in cognitive impairment or improvement in cognitive function of individuals with health conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or stroke; (2) competent and reliable scientific evidence for all other claims of performance, benefits, or efficacy associated with cognitive training; (3) accurate representation of the existence, contents, validity, results, conclusions, or interpretations of tests, studies, or research, including that the benefits of cognitive training are scientifically proven; and (4) a settlement payment of $200,000, upon which the remainder of the monetary judgment entered in the Action ($4,000,000) will be suspended. The Settlement Agreement also contains standard compliance reporting and recordkeeping requirements. In compliance with the terms of the Settlement agreement, LearningRx has completed 20 plus studies includi
Source: Item 3 — LITIGATION (FDD page 12)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Learningrx's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, to make claims about delaying or protecting against age-related decline in memory or other cognitive functions, Learningrx is required to have randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to support those claims. This requirement stems from a Settlement Agreement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The Settlement Agreement mandates that Learningrx must have RCTs to substantiate claims related to cognitive training, specifically regarding improved performance at work or in athletics, delaying or protecting against age-related cognitive decline, and reducing cognitive impairment or improving cognitive function for individuals with health conditions like ADHD, autism, traumatic brain injury, or stroke. This means that if Learningrx advertises its programs as a way to help older adults maintain their memory or other cognitive abilities, it must have scientific evidence from RCTs to back up those claims.
This requirement has significant implications for Learningrx franchisees. It ensures that the claims made about the benefits of Learningrx programs are based on solid scientific evidence. It also protects consumers from unsubstantiated claims. Franchisees should be aware of these requirements and ensure that their marketing materials comply with the Settlement Agreement. Learningrx states that it has completed 20 plus studies including randomized controlled trials to meet new FTC regulations.