Alzheimer’s Facts and Myths
What is Alzheimer’s Disease and what causes it?
Age is the No. 1 risk factor. The older you are, the more likely you are to get Alzheimer’s. The actual cause isn’t fully known.
The list of things that don’t cause dementia includes aluminum cans and cooking pots, flu shots, artificial sweeteners, and silver dental fillings.
Dementia is a generic term for having trouble with learning memory and function.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It accounts for up to 60% to 80% of all cases.
Other types of dementia include:
Vascular Dementia
Parkinson’s disease
Drug side effects
Brain Damage
Alcoholism
These symptoms may get better when treated. Alzheimer’s on the other can not get better with medication.
Some experimental drugs have been shown to slow the progress.
Alzheimer’s Myths
Can a better diet slow or cure the disease? As of today, the answer is No.
There are no current vitamins or supplements that have been shown to affect Alzheimer’s.
Research suggests a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts to help protect your brain’s function.
Alzheimer’s is Inherited
Your genetics play a role, though. If you have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s, you’ll have a higher chance of getting the disease. That’s something you can’t change.
Repeating yourself, getting lost when going to a familiar place, and showing fuzzy thinking skills all show up after the process of Alzheimer’s has already begun in the brain.
Researchers believe the disease may start to cause physical changes years or decades before symptoms appear.
Memory Loss Begins
It’s normal to forget your car keys or to forget to pay a bill.
It’s a warning sign you may be developing Dementia if you forget lots of things, or big events, or take your medication.
It is normal to forget pills but finding them in the microwave, or accusing a loved one of stealing them is not.
Alzheimer’s is normal for Seniors.
Alzheimer’s isn’t a normal part of aging. Most people who get it are indeed over 65. Statically the risk doubles every 5 years after 65.
That being said Nearly 75% of 85-year-olds don’t have it. It can start young in rare cases.
Alzheimer’s Prevention Techniques
Studies are inconclusive, they don’t show evidence that doing mental work can prevent Alzheimer’s.
But it may help build brainpower that helps you hold off memory loss. For general health, it’s a good idea to work out your brain every day.
New Wave of Medications
Alzheimer’s medication studies are at the forefront of medical research.
The public and private outpour of support is a sign that one day the disease will be cured.
Caregivers take heart, you are true angels if you are taking care of an individual with advanced Alzheimer’s.
