11 Myths About Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease can be a terrifying puzzle both for those with the condition and for their families. There is so much misinformation that it can be a difficult diagnosis to navigate. "Unfortunately, people aren't that informed and myths make it into the popular media and get skewed," says Kevin Duff, PhD, of the Center for Alzheimer's Care, Imaging and Research at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and an associate professor in the department of neurology. Sometimes these myths are easy to clear up, but in other situations they can be harmful, especially if they get in the way of a timely Alzheimer's diagnosis.
Myth No. 1: There is a test for Alzheimer's disease.
There is no blood or imaging test that can be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, Dr. Duff explains, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is largely made by ruling out all the other possible causes for symptoms. This involves a review of personal and medical history as well as blood tests, neurological tests, and some imaging tests. After someone dies, an autopsy can be performed to look for physical markers of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain that cannot be seen with imaging tests, Duff says.
Myth No. 2: Medications can stop Alzheimer's disease.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications that may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease — but these are not considered cures. “A number of individuals who try to take these medications have side effects, and others won’t respond at all,” Duff warns. For about one in three people, taking these prescribed medications can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease for six months to a year. That might not sound like a lot of time, but for people with Alzheimer’s and their families, any time is precious.
Myth No. 3: Alzheimer's disease isn't fatal.
Because Alzheimer's disease most commonly occurs among the elderly, people who have it often die of other causes, including stroke, heart disease, and cancer. Alzheimer's disease itself, however, is a progressive condition that can ultimately lead to death. But depending on age at diagnosis, someone with Alzheimer's might live for many years with the disease.
Myth No. 4: Alzheimer's disease affects only seniors.
“About 90 percent of cases of Alzheimer’s disease are what we call late-onset, after age 65,” acknowledges Duff. However, about 1 in 10 cases occurs before age 65, sometimes among people in their thirties or forties. These cases tend to happen in families with a history of Alzheimer’s disease.
Myth No. 5: Depression causes Alzheimer's disease.
“Depression and Alzheimer’s disease can be related to one another,” notes Duff, but there’s no evidence that depression causes Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, depression may occur with symptom onset because people fear that their changing abilities signal dementia. “We try to treat depression, because that seems to improve the patient’s day-to-day functioning,” Duff explains. Such treatment can make life easier for the caregiver, but caregivers may need to be screened and treated for depression as well.
Myth No. 6: Alzheimer's symptoms are reversible.
There are two possible reasons why people may believe the myth that Alzheimer’s symptoms are reversible. The first is that they have known someone who was misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and then correctly treated for another condition. Causes of similar (but reversible) symptoms include thyroid problems, vitamin deficiency, depression, and even medication. The other factor underlying this myth is that advertising for Alzheimer’s disease medications sometimes suggests dramatic symptom relief rather than a more subtle stabilization of symptoms, which is what really happens.
Myth No. 7: Aspartame causes Alzheimer's disease.
Duff notes that the artificial sweetener aspartame has joined silver fillings and aluminum as a rumored environmental cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but he says there’s really no evidence to implicate any of them. In fact, researchers don’t really know what triggers Alzheimer’s disease, which might be why there are so many rumors about possible causes. Duff advises not worrying about aspartame or aluminum but says to follow a healthy diet and get regular physical activity for lifelong health.
Myth No. 8: Flu shots can trigger Alzheimer's disease.
There’s no medical reason to believe that your annual flu shot could cause Alzheimer’s disease, says Duff. “There’s actually more evidence to say that older adults who get the flu shot are at decreased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and definitely at decreased risk for death and other medical problems.” In fact, people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers should all get flu shots to avoid making life at home that much more difficult.
Myth No. 9: It just takes more effort to overcome dementia symptoms.
Frustrated caregivers and family members may believe that their loved one with Alzheimer’s disease would function better and retain memory skills with just a little more effort, but that’s not true. “Alzheimer’s disease is deterioration within the brain,” Duff says. “No amount of effort is going to overcome that.” He does add, however, that physical activity and cognitive exercises such as crossword puzzles and socializing do seem to improve quality of life and slow Alzheimer’s disease progression. Caregivers can gently encourage participation in all of these activities.
Myth No. 10: I can care for my loved one with Alzheimer's disease by myself.
“There’s a tendency for caregivers to want to do it all themselves,” Duff notes. For a number of reasons, be it pride, sense of obligation, love, or something else, many caregivers don’t ask for help. Studies suggest, however, that caregivers need support — about eight waking hours to themselves every week. Caregivers who get a break provide better care than those who do not, Duff points out. Consider respite care or adult day care as part of your overall Alzheimer’s disease care plan.
Myth No. 11: Alzheimer's disease is normal aging.
“Alzheimer’s disease is not the result of normal aging,” emphasizes Duff, who often overhears people writing off the dementia symptoms of an elderly relative as normal aging. “When signs come up that are dramatically different from how this person used to be, it’s time to see what might be causing it,” he says. Early treatment is essential. Don’t hesitate to discuss symptoms such as forgetfulness and confusion with your family doctor.
- Last Updated: 03/12/13
- Last Updated: 03/12/13