The Truth Behind Alzheimer’s Disease Myths

THE TRUTH BEHIND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE ΜΥTHS MYTH: Memory loss is a normal part of aging ??? TRUTH: Occasional memory problems are common as you get older Alzheimer's involves more than just forgetting things here and there Alzheimer's symptoms interfere with daily life and long-held memories MYTH: Older people are the only ones who get Alzheimer's TRUTH: The majority of people with Alzheimer's are over 65 Early-onset Alzheimer's can strike in a person's 30s, 40s, or 50s 30's 40's 50's About 200,000 people younger than 65 are affected by Alzheimer's MYTH: Alzheimer's isn’t a disease that leads to death TRUTH: Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. It destroys brain cells and the ability to think, eat, walk, and talk RIP Most Alzheimer's patients Ilive 8-10 years following their diagnosis MYTH: Alzheimer's is preventable through diet, exercise, and mental exercises TRUTH: Studies show that these may lower your odds of getting Alzheimer's However, science has only shown correlation, not causation In any case, eating well and staying active can improve your quality of life MYTH: The progression of Alzheimer's can be stopped TRUTH: There is no cure for Alzheimer's and no way to stop its progression There are medications that can slow the progress of symptoms Rx When the medications are effective, it is typically for 6-12 months MYTH: Alzheimer's is caused by depression TRUTH: Depression may be a sign of Alzheimer's, but it is not a cause Around 6.5 million people over the age of 65 have depression Not all people who have depression will get Alzheimer's MYTH: Alzheimer's and dementia are the same thing TYPES OF DEMENTIA TRUTH: There are over 70 different causes of dementia Dementia is used to describe memory loss Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia ALZHEIMER'S Provided by: A VALO N MEMORY CARE SINCE 1995 AVALONMEMORYCARE.COM Sources: www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_myths_about_alzheimers.asp www.webmd.com/alzheimers/features/5-alzheimers-disease-myths www.dementiatoday.com/7-myths-about-alzheimers-disease/