Dispelling Myths Surrounding Alzheimer’s Disease

If your senior loved one has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, learning everything you can about this common form of dementia is critical. Discovering the truth behind common Alzheimer’s myths can help you understand the disease better and ensure the right care is provided.

Alzheimer’s Is a Normal Part of Aging

  Occasionally forgetting things is a normal part of life. However, Alzheimer’s involves much more than memory loss. The disease causes brain cells to malfunction and eventually die. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, which means it gets worse over time, and it can make everyday activities more challenging. Normal age-related forgetfulness usually isn’t progressive and doesn’t prevent seniors from being able to handle daily activities. Mislabeling the disease as a typical part of aging can prevent your loved one from taking advantage of treatments and therapies that can help him or her live a full life.

Only the Elderly Get Alzheimer’s 

Though Alzheimer’s is much more common in seniors over the age of 65, 5 percent of people with the disease are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. This amounts to roughly 200,000 people in the United States. Known as early-onset Alzheimer’s, this form of the disease can be extremely difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are often attributed to other causes, such as stress. Even when symptoms are present, early-onset Alzheimer’s often goes undiagnosed because most people, including doctors, don’t expect younger adults to have the disease. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care service Irving, TX, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Everyone with Alzheimer’s Is Violent & Aggressive 

As with many diseases, Alzheimer’s affects different people in different ways. Increased confusion, fear, an inability to communicate needs, and difficulty processing information can lead to some seniors exhibiting violent and aggressive behavior. If these symptoms are displayed, adapting to your loved one’s needs can help him or her feel calmer and in control.  While there’s no current cure for Alzheimer’s, a professional caregiver can help your loved one live with the symptoms of the disease in the comfort of home. Families looking for top-rated elderly home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

Aluminum, Dental Fillings, & Flu Vaccines Can Cause Alzheimer’s 

Since the 1960s, there have been many erroneous claims pointing to the use of aluminum products, amalgam dental fillings, and flu vaccinations as causes of Alzheimer’s disease. However, years of studies have shown the disease isn’t caused by the normal use of these things. Genetics, lifestyle, and environment are all major factors that play roles in the development of the disease.

Natural Treatments Are Effective

Ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and other natural remedies have been touted as ways to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease. However, in reality, Alzheimer’s is a very complex disease, and the most effective tools for treating it are prescription medications and various types of therapy recommended by physicians.

Alzheimer’s Is Preventable

While doctors aren’t sure what the exact causes of Alzheimer’s are, a combination of lifestyle choices, environment, and genetics is thought to contribute to the development of the disease. Making healthy lifestyl choices, such as switching to a more nutritious diet, is recommended to prevent many types of diseases, but a healthy lifestyle can’t specifically eliminate the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.   While caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, you’re not alone. The days, weeks, and months following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be challenging for both seniors and their families. However, these challenges can be made less stressful with the help of caregivers trained in professional Alzheimer’s care. Irving Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one enjoy the golden years while simultaneously managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (817) 591-1580 today.