In this blog we present the 10 most common myths about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, with updated data as of today.
BLOG | 10 myths surrounding Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people worldwide. WHO projections indicate a threefold increase in cases by 2050.
Despite the familiarity of the name Alzheimer's disease, the attributions and interpretations that the general population sometimes make about the disease are often erroneous and do not correspond to its reality, nor to what it implies. This contributes to a lack of knowledge that can lead to maladjusted actions that do not provide adequate solutions to the needs in the face of the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
That is why in this blog we present 10 myths about Alzheimer's disease from all the updates and research that have been carried out in recent years around this disease:
1. “Dementia is the same as Alzheimer's disease”
Dementia and Alzheimer's are not synonymous. There are several pathologies that can cause dementia, among them the most frequent is Alzheimer's disease.
At an early stage, there is a progressive deterioration of cognitive functions, but this does not yet interfere with the person's autonomy. In this case, dementia is not yet present.
Alzheimer's dementia is diagnosed when the neuropsychological alterations that the patient presents interfere with their functionality, i.e., they lose autonomy and ability to perform daily tasks.
2. “He doesn't have Alzheimer's, he's too young”
Alzheimer's disease does not only affect the elderly. Between 5% and 9% of diagnoses are made in people under 65 years of age, which is called presenile, early or early-onset Alzheimer's disease. As the disease is not expected in people of working age, it tends to be attributed to other causes (e.g. stress) and it takes longer to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
3. “He has dementia due to age”
Dementia does not develop as a consequence of age. That is, dementia does not develop as a result of aging. Elderly people can maintain their cognitive functions preserved. If this is not the case, the real cause of dementia must be ascertained through various clinical tests and biomarkers, taking into account that chronological age is not the real cause.
4. “It remembers the past, therefore, it does not have Alzheimer's”
In an early stage of dementia, recent memory may be affected, preserving memory for older episodes. As the disease progresses, remote memory is also affected.
Apart from memory, Alzheimer's disease also affects planning capacity and other cognitive functions such as orientation to reality, visual perception, language, etc. There are atypical courses in which other cognitive alterations predominate.
5. “You will have aggressive behaviors”
People with Alzheimer's disease show impairment in different cognitive functions, functional loss and may or may not have behavioral disturbances. The appearance of behavioral alterations will depend on several factors, such as their family environment or previous pathologies of aggressiveness or behavioral changes.
A person with Alzheimer's disease does not have to become aggressive. The expression of the disease will be modulated by the person's previous character.
In the early stages of dementia, irritability may appear, which is usually manageable depending on the treatment and communication established with the person. It is recommended to avoid confrontation and not to show shortcomings or errors. Also, keep in mind that there is medication that can help alleviate some behavioral disturbances. When they appear, it is necessary to consult with the neurologist of reference to assess whether it is necessary to adjust the pharmacological treatment.
6. “You will need a paralegal”
People with Alzheimer's disease may have difficulty making decisions at different levels, due to problems in adequately assessing each available option with its consequences as the disease progresses. When this happens, they need supervision and support in this area.
Some people with Alzheimer's disease will need to request measures to support legal capacity and have an assistant. Even so, not everyone needs them just because they have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and not everyone needs them. It is necessary to assess each case individually, implementing the most suitable measures required by each person, personalizing the interventions.
There are other support measures, such as preventive powers of attorney, in which the person himself, while preserving his cognitive functions, can designate a trusted person he wishes to represent him when he is no longer able. Also the caregiver as guardian can provide support in different areas.
7. “He doesn't understand anything”
People with Alzheimer's disease may have difficulties in verbal comprehension, which gradually appear as the disease progresses. To facilitate this, attention should be paid to how we communicate: use simple phrases, address each other face to face, and avoid interferences from the environment that may act as distracters.
It is also necessary to sequence the indications required by the person when performing an activity so that it is acceptable. It is important to pay attention to the use of non-verbal communication: body gestures, tone of voice, the rhythm used…
8. “There is nothing to be done in the face of the diagnosis”
Although there is currently no curative treatment for Alzheimer's disease, there are treatments to alleviate symptoms and slow its progression. In parallel, it is advisable to maintain an active life with healthy habits: physical and intellectual activity, such as cognitive stimulation adapted to the possibilities of each person to slow cognitive deterioration and enhance preserved abilities.
These habits also include following a balanced diet and being socially active. These strategies will act as protectors to slow the progression of the disease. On the other hand, providing support to the person as required helps to avoid risks and ensure the person's safety and well-being.
9. “He lies to me, he cheats me”
The person with Alzheimer's may fill in his or her memory gaps with other information without intending to conceal the truth. They can relate their subjective perception of the situation, which sometimes does not match the objective situation. To find out and certify what is happening, the information received must be verified and contrasted.
10. “He has become lazy, a slacker”
Lack of initiative and difficulty in planning and organizing daily life may appear in the early stages of the disease. It should be kept in mind that the appearance of this symptomatology is not intentional, and that activities can be carried out with the person with Alzheimer's disease to encourage him/her to be more active.
In the face of erroneous beliefs, it is essential to educate and sensitize the general population to the disease in order to eliminate these myths and provide real knowledge about Alzheimer's disease.
Having accurate and contrasted information about Alzheimer's disease is essential to understand the diagnosis and respond appropriately to the needs that may arise during the course of the disease, both for the person him/herself and for his/her environment.
SÍLVIA PRECKLER
Social worker at Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona
Ace:
News
