Submitted by The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter
Currently, there are over 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S., including 220,000 right here in Illinois. Chances are, you are personally affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, or you know someone who has been affected. Though the number of people in the U.S. being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s continues to rise, there are still many misconceptions related to the disease. The more we know, the better we can understand and care for those facing Alzheimer’s.
Here are five common myths about Alzheimer’s disease and the truths behind them.
Myth 1: Memory loss is a natural part of aging
Reality: As people age, it’s normal to have occasional memory problems, such as forgetting the name of a person you’ve recently met. However, Alzheimer’s is more than occasional memory loss. It’s a disease that causes brain cells to malfunction and ultimately die. When this happens, an individual may forget the name of a longtime friend or what roads to take to return to a home they’ve lived in for decades.
It can be difficult to tell normal memory problems from memory problems that should be a cause for concern. If you or a loved one has memory problems or other problems with thinking and learning that concern you, contact a physician. To learn the warning signs of Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/10signs.
Myth 2: Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal
Reality: Alzheimer’s disease has no survivors. In fact, it’s the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors, and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person’s identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk, and find his or her way home.
Myth 3: Only older people can get Alzheimer’s
Reality: Though Alzheimer’s is most common in people over the age of 65, it can also strike people in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. This is called younger-onset Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that there are 200,000 people younger than age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Myth 4: There are treatments available to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
Reality: Currently, there is no treatment or way to prevent, cure or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. There are drug and non-drug treatments may help with both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Researchers continue to look for new treatments to alter the course of the disease and improve the quality of life for people with dementia.
Myth 5: Aluminum, flu shots, silver fillings, or aspartame are all causes of Alzheimer’s disease
Reality: You may have heard that aluminum, the artificial sweetener aspartame, silver dental fillings, or even flu shots can all cause Alzheimer’s. There is no evidence that supports any of these theories. Scientists have, however, identified factors that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. The most important risk factors — age, family history, and heredity — can’t be changed, but emerging evidence suggests there may be other factors we can influence.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter covers a 87-county area with offices in Chicago, Joliet, Rockford, Springfield, Bloomington, Peoria, Quincy, and Carbondale. For more information on programs and services, visit our Springfield Office at 2309 W. White Oaks Drive Suite E in Springfield, visit www.alz.org/illinois, or call our 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.