Myths and Facts about Alzheimer's Disease

by Kevin Smith Author

Some senior citizens find it hard to recall certain things, like the current date or place where they put their glasses. This is a normal part of aging. People tend to be forgetful since significant changes happen in their brains as the years go by. But, major memory loss that hinders everyday life is a symptom of Alzheimer's disease.

A person with this condition finds it hard to remember recent events, so they're often confused. Sometimes, they'll answer a single question repeatedly, which results in communication problems. Severe cases show other symptoms, like forgetting the names and faces of their loved ones. They may even feel disoriented when they're doing common tasks, such as dressing themselves, eating, or using the toilet.

Millions of Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, yet there are still a lot of misconceptions about it. Some of them are listed in this article. Read on to learn the truth behind them.

Myth #1: It doesn't lead to death

Fact: Alzheimer's is actually among the 10 leading causes of death in the US. An individual with this condition may forget to eat and drink. This leads to a lack of essential nutrients in the body. Their immune system will be weakened, which results in more complications. Other cases even lead to breathing problems, so patients develop lung diseases, such as asthma and pneumonia.

Myth #2: It only affects senior citizens

Fact: While it's true that the majority of patients are older than 60, there are still young ones that develop this condition. There are people in their 50s, 40s, and even 30s who are diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. There are very few studies about it, but medical experts assume that it's caused by genetic mutations.

It's hard for doctors to diagnose early-onset Alzheimer's. After all, people with it often downplay their condition as a simple memory loss caused by stress.

Myth #3: It's caused by flu shots and aluminum intake

Fact: There's no scientific evidence to prove that flu shots and other vaccines lead to Alzheimer's. Additionally, there's no basis to the claims that drinking from aluminum cans and cooking with aluminum kitchenware causes this disease.

The truth is that researchers have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of Alzheimer's. There are experts who argue that it's associated with different factors, like genes, lifestyle, and overall environment. Some also claim that it's related to other brain complications.

Alzheimer's is a serious medical condition that requires special attention. If a loved one is diagnosed with it, expect gradual changes in your daily lives as the disease progresses in the coming years. Be patient if they can no longer do the things they used to do. Forgive them if they eventually forget your name. And, to help them cope with their situation, hire a caregiver who has completed healthcare training courses in Orlando.