Alzheimer's Disease: Myth and Reality
 Over
the years, many myths have evolved about what Alzheimer's disease is, who gets it and how it affects people who have
it. These myths can add to the stigma attached to the disease
and stand in the way of our ability to understand and help
people with it. At the Alzheimer Society, we believe the
sooner we dispel the myths, the better we'll be able to
respond to the reality.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive,degenerative disease of the brain. It most often occurs in people over 65, but can affect adults at an earlier age.
Myth
1: Because someone in my family has Alzheimer's disease, I'm
going to get it.
Reality:
Although genetics play a role in the disease, only about seven per cent of cases are associated with genes that cause the early onset inherited familial form of the disease (FAD). The majority of cases are of the late onset "sporadic Alzheimer's disease" form, in which genes may also play a role. A person who has a parent or a sibling who has or had sporadic Alzheimer's disease has a very slightly increased risk of getting the disease.
Myth
2: Alzheimer's disease is only an old person's disease.
Reality:
While age is the most significant known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, most people in fact do not develop the disease as they age. Moreover, even with the late onset form of the disease people have been diagnosed with it in their 40s and 50s.What’s most important to understand is that Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging.
Myth
3: There is a cure for Alzheimer's disease.
Reality: At present there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are medications and other approaches that can successfully help with some of the symptoms and improve quality of life,
in some people. The good news is that researchers have made great strides and there are a number of drugs in clinical trials that act directly against the disease process.
Myth
4: Memory loss means Alzheimer's disease.
Reality:
Many people have trouble with their memory, but that in
itself does not mean they have Alzheimer's disease. When memory
loss affects day-to-day function and is coupled with lack
of judgment and reasoning, or changes in communication abilities,
it's best to visit a doctor to determine the cause of the
symptoms.
Myth
5: Aluminum causes Alzheimer's disease.
Reality:
Although there's been much research into the connection between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease, there's no conclusive evidence to show a link. The disease appears to develop when the combined effects of many risk factors, including age, genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors, overwhelm the natural capacity of the brain to deal with them.
Myth
6: Alzheimer's disease is preventable.
Reality:
There is no treatment that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. There is, however, a growing amount of evidence that lifestyle choices that keep mind and body fit may help reduce the risk. These choices include being physically active; eating healthy foods including fresh fruits, vegetables and fish; keeping your brain challenged; reducing stress, keeping an eye on your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels; avoiding traumatic brain injury; and keeping socially active.
Myth
7: Vitamins, supplements and memory boosters can prevent
Alzheimer's disease.
Reality:
Many studies have been done to test the effectiveness of products such as vitamins E, B, and C, gingko biloba, folate, and selenium in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. The findings are mixed and inconclusive.However, research in this area is ongoing.
Myth
8: If I'm diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, my life is over.
Reality:
Many people with the disease live meaningful, active lives.
They have a sense of purpose and do not feel their lives
are over. Earlier diagnosis and medications are helping.
It is also important to provide appropriate surroundings,
services, support and activities to people with the disease
to help enrich their quality of life throughout the progression
of the disease.
Myth
9: All people who have Alzheimer's disease become violent
and aggressive.
Reality:
Alzheimer's disease affects each person differently, and certainly not all become aggressive. For the
person with Alzheimer's disease, the loss of memory and the
resulting confusion is often frustrating or even frightening.
By learning about the disease, adapting the person's surroundings
and changing the way we communicate with the person, aggressive
responses may be preventable.
Myth
10: People with Alzheimer's disease cannot understand what
is going on around them.
Reality:
Some people with Alzheimer's disease understand what is
going on around them; others have difficulty. The disease does affect a person's ability to communicate
and make sense of the world around them, although it
affects each person differently. When we assume someone
does not understand, feelings can be hurt unintentionally.
The fact is a person with Alzheimer's disease is still
the same person as before and needs to be treated with
dignity and respect.
An
end to the myths
The Alzheimer Society would like to put an end to the myths surrounding Alzheimer's disease.
The
Alzheimer Society is a not-for-profit health organization
dedicated to helping people affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Get
the facts:
-
learn about the disease
- seek help
- treat
people with the disease with respect
The Alzheimer Society is a national not-for-profit health organization dedicated to helping people affected by Alzheimer's disease. The Society has numerous resources and support programs for people with the disease and their caregivers. The Society funds research into finding a cure for the disease, and into improved methods of caregiving.
Contact
your local Alzheimer Society
or call 1-800-616-8816.
[This
information is also available in a brochure from your local
Alzheimer Society or you can download
the brochure from this site.]
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