When a doctor diagnoses your parent, grandparent or partner with Alzheimer’s, it’s normal to fear the worst. You may have heard the disease is all but inevitable for people over a certain age, or that it’s predetermined by a person’s genes. The good news is that many negative Alzheimer’s assumptions are myths — while the actual facts paint a more hopeful picture.
The truth is that many people with early-stage Alzheimer’s continue to lead rich, fulfilling lives, as long as they’re surrounded by loving family members, and keep their minds active by practicing skills, enjoying hobbies, and socializing with friends. What’s more, a healthy lifestyle can delay the onset of late-stage Alzheimer’s by several years — especially in combination with the latest medical treatments.
Let’s take a closer look at seven Alzheimer’s myths you’ve most likely heard — and debunk each of them with the real truth.
Myth #1: Alzheimer’s is a normal part of getting older.
Myth #2: Alzheimer’s is an inherited genetic disease.
Myth #3: Older people who become forgetful probably have Alzheimer’s.
Myth #4: People with Alzheimer’s forget everything.
Myth #5: A person with Alzheimer’s is like a grown-up child.
Myth #6: Alzheimer’s disease always follows the same pattern.
Myth #7: There’s no effective treatment for Alzheimer’s.
Myth #1: Alzheimer’s is a normal part of getting older.
Many people become more forgetful as they age. Does this mean most older people have Alzheimers, and that this disease is a normal part of the aging process? Quite the opposite. Only 11.3 percent of the over-65 population have Alzheimer’s disease — and the vast majority of people will never be diagnosed with Azheimer’s, at any age. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and an active social life can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, and can even slow the disease’s progress in people who’ve been diagnosed with it.
Myth #2: Alzheimer’s is an inherited genetic disease.
If one or more of your family members has suffered from Alzheimer’s, you may be worried you’re carrying an “Alzheimer’s gene” that guarantees you’ll get the disease, too. The truth, however, is that familial Alzheimer’s (the inherited form) only accounts for 10 percent of cases. The other 90 percent are due to sporadic Alzheimer’s, which occurs in people who have no family history of the disease. While sporadic Alzheimer’s may also have a genetic component, its causes aren’t clearly understood yet — and the search for a cure continues.
Myth #3: Older people who become forgetful probably have Alzheimer’s.
The brain changes in many ways throughout every decade of life. As people grow older, their brains produce fewer new nerve cells, and the connections between those cells can also begin to fall apart, resulting in forgetfulness, and a noticeable “slowing down” of mental function from about age 65 onward. But while forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, it’s rarely due to Alzheimer’s disease — and it can often be counteracted by quitting smoking, exercising daily, and keeping the mind active. People with healthy, fulfilling lifestyles can stay sharp and quick-witted well into their 90s, and even beyond.
Myth #4: People with Alzheimer’s forget everything.
You’ve probably heard the heartbreaking stories about people with Alzheimer’s forgetting their friends, family members, and even spouses. While this can often happen in the disease’s later stages, it’s important to note that Alzheimer’s impacts different types of memory in different ways. Short-term memories of names, dates and numbers are usually the first to go; followed by declarative memories of facts memorized over the course of a person’s lifetime. Long-term memories of people and events usually last the longest — in fact, many people with moderate Alzheimer’s experience vivid memories of childhood, and can describe those scenes in detail.
Myth #5: A person with Alzheimer’s is like a grown-up child.
Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s can be a challenging experience. In the disease’s later stages, your loved one will increasingly need help with everyday tasks like bathing, getting dressed, and using the restroom. You may have also heard that people with Alzheimer’s can exhibit “childlike” behaviors, such as throwing temper tantrums. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that a person with Alzheimer’s is not a child — and in the early stages, especially, the person you’re caring for will be very eager to preserve their independence. You’ll get the best results by speaking to your loved one like the adult they are, while taking reasonable precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.
Myth #6: Alzheimer’s disease always follows the same pattern.
As you read about the progression from mild to moderate to severe Alzheimer’s, you may get the sense that the disease follows an identical pattern in every person who has it. The truth is, though, that Alzheimer’s attacks different parts of the brain to varying degrees in each person — and its course of development depends on that person’s genes, body chemistry and lifestyle, among many other factors. Some people begin to lose memories almost immediately, while others remain in the high-functioning early stages for five years or more, and may maintain a relatively independent lifestyle for several decades.
Myth #7: There’s no effective treatment for Alzheimer’s.
No cure for Alzheimer’s has yet been found. However, you might’ve also heard that medical treatments for the disease’s symptoms “don’t really work,” or only work for a very short period — and this simply isn’t true. Several treatments are available. Mentally stimulating activities are also proven to preserve mental function, while exercise, clean air and an active social life can all significantly slow the disease’s progress.
As you come to grips with your loved one’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it’s crucial to remember that a loving, supportive environment makes a world of difference. Your loved one is facing a scary, uncertain future — and right now, more than ever, they need to know that you still think of them as the same person, and that your love and respect for them haven’t changed.
While there’s no question this diagnosis is a sobering one, you and your loved one may still have months or even years of mental clarity to look forward to. The more you encourage their independence, celebrate their passions, and take an active interest in their life, the better chance you’ll give them of continuing to make meaningful memories in the days to come.
