It’s no secret that Alzheimer’s and dementia are often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. People tend to fear what they don’t understand, and this is especially true for diseases like Alzheimer’s that affect the brain.
Memory care living is committed to dispelling these myths and providing accurate information about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Here’s how memory care living debunks four myths about Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Memory Care Living Teaches that Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are Different Things
It is a commonly held thought that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the same things. We are here to inform you that this is not truly the case. Alzheimer’s disease is only one type of dementia, which makes up between 60 and 80% of all dementia cases.
Because most people do not understand dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is commonly confused with it. Think of dementia as a broad term that includes several illnesses including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and vascular dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is a kind of dementia that includes a variety of social and cognitive symptoms that make daily living difficult. Even though different types of dementia have a certain resemblance, each one has a unique underlying pathology.
Memory Care Living Points Out that Dementia isn’t Necessarily Genetic
If a family member has dementia, there is a common myth that the person is almost certain to get dementia at some point in the future. This is not accurate. Although certain forms of dementia have a genetic component, the vast majority do not have a strong genetic link.
The most important risk factor for dementia is age, not inherited traits. However, there is a higher chance of genetic transmission if a parent or grandmother has Alzheimer’s disease before the age of 65.
Memory Care Living Shows Us that Dementia doesn’t Only Impact the Aged
Many of us might think that Dementia only affects the elderly. Dementia, however, is not a normal aspect of aging. Although dementia affects many older people, it does not develop spontaneously as people age. As it is not an age-related condition, Dementia may impact persons in their thirties and forty’s as well.
Engaging Events Show Us that People with Dementia Can Be Engaged
Another common misconception is that dementia patients are unresponsive. It is important to remember that symptoms can be misleading; just because someone has trouble speaking clearly or becomes confused does not mean they are not aware of their surroundings.
Even though memory and ability are altered, emotions and sentiments are still very much there. Even in the latter stages of an illness, people respond to touch and find comfort in calming voices and music. In memory care living, activities and events allow those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia to take part in fun and engaging activities, further dispelling the myth that they are unresponsive!
Conclusion
Unfortunately, dementia has the potential to be fatal. Dementia may cause more deaths than was previously believed. In many ways, it makes sense that people are worried about dementia, especially as they age.
However, combating misinformation, which might increase stigma and worries, is essential. As for the time being, researchers are always searching for breakthrough dementia treatments and preventative measures. We can all hope together that research will reduce dementia’s negative effects and, thus, the fear associated with the condition in the future.
