Submitted by Sugar Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of Americans and is a leading cause of death in the United States. It’s important to distinguish the facts from the myths about Alzheimer’s, especially when it comes to finding information online. Following are some common myths surrounding this disease.
Myth 1: Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are the same thing.
People often use the terms Alzheimer’s and dementia interchangeably, but there is a difference. Dementia refers generally to conditions that lead to impaired memory, thinking, reasoning, and behavior, and Alzheimer’s is just one type of dementia. The terms are likely confused because Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and the most well-known. Other types of dementia include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia.
Myth 2: I will develop Alzheimer’s disease if my parent has it.
If a parent or close relative has Alzheimer’s, you may be worried about developing it as you get older. A person’s chance of developing Alzheimer’s is higher if they have certain genetic variants that can be passed down from a parent. However, in most cases, just because a biological parent has Alzheimer’s does not mean their children will develop it. Alzheimer’s is complex, and scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes it in most people. Research suggests that in most individuals, a host of factors beyond genetics play a role in the development and course of the disease. Environmental and lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, exposure to pollutants, and smoking may also affect a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s.
Myth 3: Only people in their 70s and older develop Alzheimer’s disease.
While the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is age, this does not mean that only older adults develop it. For most people with Alzheimer’s, it’s true that symptoms first appear in their mid-60s or beyond. However, some people experience symptoms earlier, even as young as in their 30s. When a person develops Alzheimer’s between their 30s and mid-60s, it’s called early-onset Alzheimer’s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is rare—representing less than 10% of people with the disease. Developing Alzheimer’s earlier in life can present specific challenges as younger people are more likely to be raising children or working.
Myth 4: Alzheimer’s disease symptoms are normal as we get older.
Many people become more forgetful as they age, and some forgetfulness, such as losing things from time to time, is normal. However, common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, such as making poor judgments and decisions a lot of the time, having problems recognizing friends and family, or losing track of the date or time of year are not a normal part of aging. If you are worried about your memory or other possible Alzheimer’s symptoms, talk with your doctor.
Myth 5: There are no treatments available for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
In recent years, significant progress has been made toward developi ng better treatments for people living with Alzheimer’s. Several medications are now available to treat symptoms and slow the disease in some people. Coping strategies are also available to help manage behavioral symptoms.
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, research has never been more promising thanks to scientific advances. There are currently hundreds of clinical trials, including both drug and nondrug interventions. These include testing treatments that target the underlying causes of the disease as well as behavior and lifestyle factors.
Myth 6: You can buy supplements online to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease.
There are many websites and advertisements that promise certain supplements can effectively prevent, delay, treat, or cure diseases such as Alzheimer’s. In some cases, the information may seem reliable, offering advice on healthy aging and Alzheimer’s to gain trust and promote their products. However, there is no scientific evidence backing these claims, and currently, no supplement has been proven to delay, prevent, treat, or cure Alzheimer’s.
Myth 7: You can prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
There is no proven way to prevent Alzheimer’s. However, there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk for this disease. A risk factor is something that may increase a person’s chance of developing a disease. Some risk factors can be controlled, while others, such as the genes you inherit, cannot. In general, leading a healthy lifestyle may help reduce risk factors that have been associated with Alzheimer’s and other age-related health problems. These include controlling high blood pressure; maintaining a healthy weight; consuming a healthful diet; staying mentally and physically active; sleeping seven to nine hours each night; and wearing hearing restorative devices such as hearing aids.
Myth 8: Doctors cannot definitively diagnose someone with Alzheimer’s disease until after death.
Before researchers developed biomarker tests in the early 2000s, the only sure way to know whether a person had Alzheimer’s was through autopsy, a procedure that is performed after death. Now, lab and imaging tests are available to help a doctor or researcher see the biological signs of the disease in a living person. For example, it is now possible for doctors to order a blood test to measure levels of beta-amyloid, a protein that accumulates abnormally in people with Alzheimer’s. Several other blood tests are in development and scientists continue to study options for faster, less expensive, and less invasive ways to diagnose Alzheimer’s.
Sugar Creek offers specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. At Sugar Creek, they understand how challenging caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias can be, and they are here to help. For more information or to set up an appointment, call 309-451-3000 or check them out online at www.sugarcreekalz.com. They are located at 505 E. Vernon Ave. in Normal.