Do you know everything about Alzheimer’s disease? If you don’t, you should! Because many myths have been created around Alzheimer’s disease. But you should know which information is a fact or just another myth, especially when you look at it online.
Keep reading this article because we are going to clear myths about Alzheimer’s for you. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that makes the brain lose its functionality. It is a progressive degenerative disease that starts in middle or old age. Alzheimer’s kills your brain cells and makes your brain shrink. The most common symptoms you notice are memory loss, loss of control of your limbs, a decline in thinking and reasoning abilities, and behavioral and social skills.
According to statistics, around 6.5 million people (about twice the population of Nevada) in America (whose age is 65 or older) are living with Alzheimer’s in 2022. To create awareness, Alzheimer’s disease month is observed every year in September. People all around the world come together to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia.
There is no cure for this disease. However, treatment can slow down the process of degeneration and make you self-dependent for a longer time. While dementia and Alzheimer’s are quite similar, there are many myths around them that can lead to misunderstandings.
Learn about those myths here.
Myth no.1. Alzheimer’s and dementia are one and the same.
While people use both terms interchangeably, they are not the same. Dementia means impaired memory, thinking, reasoning and behavior. Dementia is a wider term and Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia. Even though the symptoms and causes make you confused, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and the most well-known one.
Myth no.2. Only old people (whose age is 65 or older) can get Alzheimer’s disease.
Well, that’s not true. Even though it mostly happens to people aged 65 or older, Alzheimer’s can hit people who are in their 30s, 40s, or even their 50s, this is known as younger-onset Alzheimer’s. It is calculated in the US, that more than 5 million people (about twice the population of Mississippi) are living with Alzheimer’s, out of which over 5 million people (about twice the population of Mississippi) are aged 65 and older and over 200,000 people are younger than 65 years of age.
Myth no.3. Memory loss is normal as you get old.
Well, that is not true for all cases. Some people manage to keep their brains sharp even in old age, while it’s true as we age, the body starts losing its functionality over time. Forgetting occasional things is normal, but Alzheimer’s is much more than that. It makes your brain cells degenerate or die. People even forget the name of their relatives, spouses/partners, or even the names of their sons or daughters. But it is hard to tell the difference between normal aging or memory problems from a disease. So, if you forget things often, contact your physician.
The people who maintain good lifestyles mostly have a good memory. So, it doesn’t affect their memory as much as the people who have unhealthy habits and unhealthy lifestyles. So, your age matters, but your way of living matters more. You can be healthy even in old age. Some memory problems happen due to vitamin deficiencies, not getting proper sleep, chronic stress, etc. That’s why you must maintain good health and lifestyle.
Myth no.4. Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal.
Unfortunately, that’s not true. Its 6th leading cause of death in the US. It leaves no survivors. Most people live 4 to 5 years after they get diagnosed. If they take treatment, they can live up to 8 to 10 years or a little longer. There is no cure available right now. As Alzheimer’s affects the brain cells making them degenerate and lose their functions and die. You can start noticing memory changes, disturbing behavior, and loss of control over movements and other bodily functions. It slowly takes away a person’s identity, and ability to connect with others through talk, hand gestures, and head movement, they are not even able to eat, breathe, or walk, and leads to their death.
Myth no.5. You can develop Alzheimer’s if your parents have it
Well, we don’t know for sure because what exactly causes Alzheimer’s or how you can prevent it is still under research. It’s not necessary that you get Alzheimer’s if your parents have Alzheimer’s unless you’ve inherited those specific genetic mutations or variations that cause Alzheimer’s. But in most cases, it is not hereditary rather, environmental and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, and exposure to toxins and pollutants increase the risks of Alzheimer’s. That’s why you should practice healthy lifestyle habits like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, etc. to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that destroys brain cells and makes them die. Once you develop Alzheimer there is no cure, treatment only improves some of the symptoms and increases your life span. The only thing you can do is to note its symptoms and visit your doctor to start prompt treatment to improve your condition.
Doral Health and Wellness has several urgent care clinics around New York that can cater to your family’s medical needs. We also have the best medical providers, physicians and staff that are highly trained in their respective specialties. To know more about the locations of our urgent care clinics, you can visit us at Doral Health and Wellness. If you are looking for urgent care near you, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness Urgent Care. We provide urgent care for common illnesses and injuries. Additionally, we also provide comprehensive care for any related injuries and health problems. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. For more info, visit us or call 1-347-384-5690.