{"id":8005,"date":"2023-10-05T14:55:13","date_gmt":"2023-10-05T09:25:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/the-8-biggest-alzheimers-disease-myths-and-the-truths-behind-them\/"},"modified":"2023-10-05T14:55:13","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T09:25:13","slug":"the-8-biggest-alzheimers-disease-myths-and-the-truths-behind-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/the-8-biggest-alzheimers-disease-myths-and-the-truths-behind-them\/","title":{"rendered":"The 8 biggest Alzheimer\u2019s disease myths \u2014 and the truths behind them"},"content":{"rendered":"

[ad_1]\n<\/p>\n

\n

More than six million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s, and every 67 seconds, someone in America develops the disease, according to Monica Moreno, senior director of care and support at the Alzheimer\u2019s Association in Chicago.<\/p>\n

Despite the prevalence of this most widespread form of dementia \u2014 expected to affect 12.7 million people by 2050 \u2014 experts say that many misconceptions remain.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the most common myths about Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/u>, according to dementia specialists \u2014 and the truths.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Myth No. 1: \u2018Memory loss and getting Alzheimer\u2019s are part of aging\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As people age, their brains and bodies change, noted Lakelyn Hogan Eichenberger, PhD, a gerontologist and care advocate for Home Instead in Omaha, Nebraska<\/u>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

IMPROVING MEMORY MAY BE AS EASY AS POPPING A MULTIVITAMIN, STUDY FINDS: \u2018PREVENTS VASCULAR DEMENTIA’<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

“As we age, we will all tend to experience changes in our brains,” she said, “such as slower processing speed, trouble multitasking, occasional challenges with word retrieval, decreased ability to learn new information quickly, and mild memory changes like forgetting names of where you placed an item.”<\/p>\n

\n
\"Man<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

More than six million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s \u2014 and every 67 seconds, someone in America develops the disease, according to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

But if these things become frequent \u2014 or if they increase in severity and you start to notice a pattern \u2014 it could be a sign of Alzheimer\u2019s disease or another form of dementia, Eichenberger said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Also, if memory loss starts to disrupt daily life, that is cause for concern,” she also told Fox News Digital.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

“Several variables beyond genetics play a role in the development of the disease. Environmental and lifestyle factors also affect a person\u2019s risk.”<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“Additional signs of Alzheimer’s may involve difficulties with problem-solving, language skills and judgment, as well as changes in personality and behavior, which are not characteristic of normal aging.”<\/p>\n

Myth No. 2: ‘Only older people get Alzheimer’s’<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While it is less prevalent, Alzheimer’s can impact people in their 50s, 40s and even 30s, Eichenberger said.<\/p>\n

ASK A DOC: ‘HOW CAN I REDUCE THE RISK OF ALZHEIMER\u2019S DISEASE?’ HERE ARE 3 TIPS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

An estimated 200,000 people younger than age 65 live with younger-onset (also known as early-onset) Alzheimer’s, per data from the Alzheimer\u2019s Association.<\/p>\n

Myth No. 3: \u2018Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia are the same disease\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Alzheimer\u2019s is a specific disease and the largest cause of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of all cases, according to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Many different types of dementia exist and many conditions cause it,” Moreno of the Alzheimer\u2019s Association in Chicago told Fox News Digital. “Dementia is an umbrella term describing cognitive decline serious enough to interfere with daily living.”<\/p>\n

\n
\"woman<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Alzheimer\u2019s is a specific disease and the largest cause of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of all cases, according to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association.\u00a0<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Other common types include vascular dementia, mixed dementia (more than one cause of dementia occurring simultaneously), Lewy body dementia, Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/u> and Huntington\u2019s disease, according to Moreno.<\/p>\n

Myth No. 4: \u2018I will develop Alzheimer\u2019s disease if my parent has it\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Just because a biological parent<\/u> has Alzheimer\u2019s does not mean that the person’s children will develop it, noted Eichenberger.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Several variables beyond genetics play a role in the development of the disease,” she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Environmental and lifestyle factors also affect a person\u2019s risk.”<\/p>\n

THESE ADULT VACCINES COULD REDUCE SENIORS\u2019 RISK OF ALZHEIMER\u2019S, STUDY FINDS: \u2018HEIGHTENED IMMUNE RESPONSE\u2019<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

She added, “Although we don\u2019t yet know how to prevent Alzheimer\u2019s, it\u2019s important to practice healthy habits, such as exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet<\/u>.”<\/p>\n

Myth No. 5: \u2018People with Alzheimer\u2019s don\u2019t know what\u2019s going on around them\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Those with Alzheimer\u2019s may become more easily confused or disoriented, but they are often in tune with their surroundings, Eichenberger pointed out.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“It is important never to talk about the person in front of them or assume they don’t understand,” she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"Happy<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

People with Alzheimer\u2019s may become more easily confused or disoriented, but they’re often in tune with the surroundings, a doctor pointed out.\u00a0<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

“Adjust your communication style to use simple language and provide extra time for responding. Offer corrections as suggestions and avoid explanations that sound like scolding.”<\/p>\n

Myth No. 6: \u2018An Alzheimer\u2019s diagnosis means a facility is required\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Eighty percent of Alzheimer\u2019s care<\/u> is provided in the home, not a facility, according to the CDC.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Home is a familiar environment that can help an individual living with Alzheimer\u2019s continue to maintain independence,” Eichenberger said. “Creating structure in consistent daily routines can be comforting.”<\/p>\n

LOSS OF SMELL COULD BE WARNING SIGN FOR FUTURE ALZHEIMER\u2019S DISEASE, RESEARCHERS SAY<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

To reduce the risk of falls and accidents, she recommends creating a safe environment by installing grab bars in the bathrooms, automatic stove shut-offs and door sensors to alert family if someone has exited the home.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

“People living with dementia can still plan ahead, make goals for the future or explore new hobbies.”<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“Hiring outside help, such as home care, can provide the individual with additional support and the family with respite,” Eichenberger added.<\/p>\n

Myth No. 7: \u2018Alzheimer\u2019s can be prevented\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Currently, there is no proven way to prevent Alzheimer\u2019s, noted Moreno, although it is an area of robust research.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"Older<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, including eating well and exercising regularly, can reduce the risk of dementia, experts say.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

“There are, however, steps you can take to reduce your risk of cognitive decline,” Moreno said.<\/p>\n

“These include adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, including eating [well], exercising regularly, not smoking, maintaining healthy blood pressure<\/u>, managing cholesterol and body weight, and staying cognitively engaged.”<\/p>\n

BRUCE WILLIS\u2019 FTD BATTLE: EXPERT SHARES WARNING SIGNS AND WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE CONDITION<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

She also said, “Research suggests that incorporating these behaviors in combination will have the greatest benefit.”<\/p>\n

Myth No. 8: \u2018An Alzheimer\u2019s diagnosis means life as I know it is over\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Quality of life can be maintained despite a diagnosis, experts agree.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Added Eichenberger, “People living with dementia can still plan ahead, make goals for the future or explore new hobbies.”<\/p>\n

\n
\"Older<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

“People living with dementia can still plan ahead, make goals for the future or explore new hobbies,” an Alzheimer’s expert told Fox News Digital.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer\u2019s disease, there are some medications<\/u> that could slow the progression or temporarily improve the symptoms, Eichenberger noted \u2014 “but it is important to discuss them with your health care provider, as they are not right for everyone.”<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Those diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s can also engage in lifestyle changes and cognitive stimulation to help manage symptoms, she noted.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

“People living with the disease could also enroll in clinical trials that are exploring new treatments,” said Eichenberger.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“These trials are important for future treatments and ultimately, we hope, a cure.”<\/p>\n

For more Health articles, visit <\/u><\/strong><\/i>www.foxnews.com\/health<\/u><\/strong><\/i>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/i><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[ad_2]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[ad_1] More than six million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s, and every 67 seconds, someone in America develops the disease, according to Monica Moreno, senior director of care and support at the Alzheimer\u2019s Association in Chicago. Despite the prevalence of this most widespread form of dementia \u2014 expected to affect 12.7 million people by …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8007,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8005"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8005"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8005\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8007"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8005"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8005"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8005"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}