People started to notice certain association between aging and increasing dementia back in the ancient times. For many centuries the signs of the disorder led scientists and doctors into a blind corner and spread panic and fear among people. The disorder, known these days as Alzheimer’s disease, was first described as a medical condition only at the dawn of 20^th century. Since then scientists do their best to fix the puzzle of Alzheimer’s disease, but till now the medicine does not have all the answers on why the disorder appears, and how to prevent or cure it. No wonder that Alzheimer’s disease is still encircled with many myths and misperceptions. Below are the most widely spread myths about the disorder, as well as the true facts on each of them.

Myth: Alzheimer’s disease is a natural component of aging process. Every old person has this disorder.

Though aging is really one of the risk factors of the Alzheimer’s disease, and often it is really pretty difficult to distinguish the early signs of the disorder from the signs of normal aging, Alzheimer’s disease is no way an inevitable part of aging. The majority of people above 65 live normal lives without any signs of dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

It is a proven fact that the majority of Alzheimer’s disease cases do not exhibit familial inheritance. It means, having a parent or a sibling diagnosed with AD, does not imply one will also develop the disorder later in life. Nowadays, the role of genes in AD development is carefully studied; however, currently there are no evidences on the direct association between specific genes and the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, scientists define a subtype of Alzheimer’s disease, which runs in families, but this specific form of the disorder is very rare and covers only 5-7% of all AD cases.

Myth: Alzheimer’s disease affects only old people.

Though the majority of patients with AD are above 65 years old, there are also cases, when the disorder affects people in their 50^th or even 40^th. That is why it is important to understand that the symptoms of AD, such as memory problems, are not part of normal aging. The earlier the disorder is detected – the more effective management of it could be.

Myth: Forgetfulness is the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease

Many people have some problems related to memory from time to time during their lifetime. In the majority of cases they have nothing to do with Alzheimer’s disease. However, once memory loss affects daily activities and if it is accompanied with reduced judgment and reasoning, it is better to consult a doctor. Remember that in case of AD a patient usually cannot remember recently learned facts, but remembers well enough what happened years ago.

Myth: Alzheimer’s disease can be cured with pills, herbs, or supplements.

Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Modern pharmaceutical options can only slow down the progression of the disorder. The effect of herbs, such as ginkgo biloba, vitamins E, B and C, as well as folic acid and selenium, on patients with Alzheimer’s disease is also not yet fully understood, and the history of their use for AD treatment contains many controversies and vagueness. There are some evidences of beneficial effect of the said remedies, but it is definitely too early to claim that they are able of curing Alzheimer’s disease. 

Myth: It is aluminum from the kitchen utensils that cause Alzheimer’s disease.

It was a widely spread myth that eating foods prepared in the aluminum frying pans, pots, etc. can cause the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Many researches conducted to date proved the falseness of this theory. It is more likely that the disorder is caused by a complex combination of multiple factors, including age, genetics, lifestyle and environment.

Myth: Alzheimer’s disease makes people hostile, violent, and aggressive

As a matter of fact, Alzheimer’s disease affects different people in different ways. Some patients develop certain changes in their behavioral patterns, like becoming violent or aggressive, and some do not. It is important to understand that the symptoms of AD may be frightening and scary first of all for a patient himself; that is why it is important to educate yourself, as well as a patient, about the disorder, and what to expect from it in order to prevent aggressive responses from a patient. Try to improve his usual surroundings in accordance with his specific demands, do not expose him to stressful events, and make him feel comfortable even with his gradually decreased abilities.    

Absolutely not. Though Alzheimer’s disease is not treatable, this diagnosis should not be perceived as the end of life. The disorder develops gradually, and no one can predict how quick this development is going to be. Many people with AD live normal, productive and meaningful lives. However, it is important to remember that early detection of the disorder is of crucial importance for the effectiveness of its management.