5 Facts to Help You Better Understand Alzheimer’s
Debunking Myths About Alzheimer’s
More than 50 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and yet, until someone we know is directly affected by this devastating illness, we may know very little about it. Misperceptions about Alzheimer’s, its origins and care persist. At Cypress Village, our experts in senior care are here to dispel myths, provide trusted information, and assist you in the journey of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
MYTH: Memory loss is a normal part of aging.
FACT: It’s normal to become forgetful as one gets older, but it’s untrue that the severe cognitive decline of Alzheimer’s is normal. Alzheimer’s is more than just occasional memory loss. It’s a disease that damages brain cells and causes them to malfunction.
MYTH: Only older adults get Alzheimer’s.
FACT: Age is the best-known risk for Alzheimer’s disease, but the disease can strike people as young as 30. More than 5 million Americans age 65 and older, and 200,000 younger than age 65 are affected by Alzheimer’s.
MYTH: Alzheimer’s disease is worse than dementia.
FACT: People often confuse Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Dementia simply describes a series of symptoms, including memory impairment, that can be caused by a number of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for 50-70% of all cases of dementia.
MYTH: Flu shots, silver fillings, aspartame, or drinking from aluminum cans causes Alzheimer’s.
FACT: Studies have failed to confirm if any of these increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, and while there are many theories, at this time scientists still don’t fully understand its cause. On the other hand, there is growing evidence that physical, mental and social activities may reduce the risk.
MYTH: Men are more at risk of Alzheimer’s.
FACT: Both men and women can develop Alzheimer’s, but almost two-thirds of Americans affected by the disease are women. There are no definitive answers why, but there are possible links between the lack of estrogen after menopause and Alzheimer’s.
MYTH: Alzheimer’s is hereditary.
FACT: This may be partially true. Research has shown that genetics plays a part. Other research has linked the disease to lifestyle choices and health conditions. Heart health, head injuries, high blood pressure and diabetes may all be factors.
MYTH: Alzheimer’s can be cured.
FACT: Although treatments can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, there’s no cure at this time. Medicines have been developed to preserve cognitive decline or assist in alleviating behavioral changes that people may experience.
MYTH: People with Alzheimer’s have no quality of life.
FACT: Alzheimer’s disease progresses in stages and affects each person differently at each stage. In loving and supportive environments, those affected by Alzheimer’s can live meaningfully for years after their diagnosis. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease means life is different, but it doesn’t reduce the opportunity to live fully, whether it’s at home or in a senior living community that offers memory care. Instead of focusing on what was lost, memory care at Cypress Village celebrates your loved one’s remaining abilities. Specially trained memory care staff are on hand 24/7, caring for your loved one in a cozy, homelike setting that is safe and secure.
We honor life stories and individual personalities, and help each person express themselves and engage with the world in the way that’s right for them. Gathering rooms, educational events, volunteer activities and more are designed to help your loved one thrive. Contact us today to find out more about our memory care. We’d love to get to know your loved one and answer any questions you have.
