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22 Aug 2018

Top Common Myths about Alzheimer's

   

Topics: Senior Health, Alzheimers

With over 500,000 Canadians living with Alzheimer’s and another 25,000 new cases every year, the total number is expected to rise by 66% by 2031.

While there are great minds around the world looking on a cure, much is still left to be learned about the mysterious disease. Why so many unanswered questions comes much false information. Here are some usually known myths and/or misconceptions about Alzheimer:

 

It’s just a common part of growing old

Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic brain disease that involves physical modifications to the brain – like the growth of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles and nerve cells shaking off contact with each other or dying off.

The disease is continuous and cannot be reversed — but it isn’t inevitable as we grow old.

 

Alzheimer’s disease only affects “old ”

In truth, our fear for Alzheimer’s disease grows significantly as we grow old: the majority of cases we have seen or heard of come after the age of 60 and the likelihood of getting this disease increases every five years after the age of 65.

Some experts claim by the age of 85 about half of all people will have developed Alzheimer’s disease or dementia related to it.

Typically, Alzheimer’s disease can show in the 40s and 50s also and some exceptional cases have been seen where the patients who develop it are even younger.

Studies have shown Alzheimer’s disease is already in the progressive stages before signs become glaring in them.

 

All patients of Alzheimer’s disease become aggressive and violent

While Alzheimer’s disease can lead to changes in the way people behave, medical experts believe that not everybody will become violent or aggressive in the long run.

Other common behaviors associated with this can be drifting off, restlessness, erratic behaviors and repeating actions.

Living with amnesia and confusion can be scary and terrifying for patients of Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers and loved ones can aid their loved one by learning some key schemes: adapting a person’s environment, maintaining a coherent program and learning how to communicate easily can help forestall emotional reactions.

There’s no hope

Researchers are finding improved ways to discover more about the disease and explore new treatments.

Experts continue to seek for more knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease, and there are treatments to help.

In a situation you or your loved one you know is diagnosed with Alzheimer, it is advisable to seek help immediately from medical personnel in your community.