Uncovering the Common 5 Myths about Alzheimer’s Disease
Set Your Facts Straight
The rate of Alzheimer’s disease is rapidly increasing. In the recent statistics made by the Alzheimer’s Association, more than five million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, it is considered as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
In line with this, there is a need for people to know about the common myths larking behind this debilitating disease. Sage Home Care, a Home Care in Brewster, New York, unravels some of these myths.
Debunking Myth #1: Alzheimer’s disease does only target the elderly.
Most people think that only old people get Alzheimer’s disease. WRONG. Old age poses a big risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. In the United States, one out of eight people over the age of sixty has it. However, this does not mean that Alzheimer’s disease only targets the senior population. Rare cases have been reported that people in their 20s, 40s, and 50s have it.
Debunking Myth #2: Alzheimer’s disease is more than just a memory loss.
Memory loss is not only the manifestation that your loved one has an Alzheimer’s disease. It affects people in different ways. Below are the ten key warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease as reported by the Alzheimer’s Association:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
Debunking Myth #3: Dementia is not the same as Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia is oftentimes interchanged with Alzheimer’s disease. The two are not the same. Dementia is a general term used to describe memory loss due to changes in the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Although all people who have Alzheimer’s disease have dementia, not all people who have dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.
Debunking Myth #4: Alzheimer’s disease cannot be prevented.
Alzheimer’s disease is not something that can be prevented. However, there are ways you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing a decline in your brain functioning. The best way is to practice a healthy lifestyle.
Debunking Myth #5: Once you are diagnosed with an Alzheimer’s disease, there is no hope for you.
This is totally not true! Research suggests that early diagnosis and medications can help you manage Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, learning about the disease and the ways on how to live with is can help you continue living a meaningful and peaceful life.
Sage Home Care offers an assortment of programs suitable for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. We also have a Home Care in Bethel, CT. If you wish to learn more about our services, feel free to talk to one of our accommodating staff. You can reach us by phone at 845-582-0337 (NY) or 203-300-5070 (CT).