Why clarifying myths helps reduce fear and support the process more effectively?
In clinical practice, many families arrive with doubts that have built up over time. To what extent is it normal to forget things as we age? When should we be concerned? Is it always Alzheimer’s disease? Is there any kind of treatment? These are common questions. And they are understandable.
Moreover, around dementia and memory there coexist scientific information, personal experiences and ideas that are not always entirely accurate. Talking about these issues clearly is not only a matter of information: better understanding what is happening allows people to make decisions more calmly, seek help earlier and support the person in a more serene way, respectful of their pace.
In this article, we review some of the most frequent myths we encounter in clinical practice and contrast them with what we know from science.
Myth 1: “Aging means losing memory.”
With age, it is normal to notice some cognitive changes. It may take a little longer to remember a name, concentrate, or retrieve certain information. We often speak of a slowing that is typical of normal aging.
This, in itself, is not dementia.
The main difference is that, in dementia, changes are progressive, interfere with daily activities and affect a person’s autonomy.
A simple example helps illustrate this:
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forgetting where we left our keys can be normal;
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forgetting what they are for or how to use them is not.
When forgetfulness stops being occasional and begins to interfere with day-to-day organization, the management of routine tasks or the recall of recent events, it is important to consult a professional and carry out a clinical assessment.
In other words: when memory changes interfere with daily life, they should be evaluated by a professional.
Myth 2: “Dementia and Alzheimer’s are the same.”
We often use the word “Alzheimer’s” as a synonym for dementia, but they are not exactly the same.
On the other hand, dementia is a clinical syndrome: a set of symptoms resulting from the impairment of several cognitive functions with functional impact. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause, but not the only one.
Other causes of dementia may include:
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vascular dementia
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frontotemporal dementia
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dementia with Lewy bodies
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or mixed dementias
Each type can give rise to different clinical profiles. In some cases, memory impairment predominates; in others, language, behavior, attention or planning abilities are more affected.
A proper diagnosis helps to better understand the person’s changes and to tailor support more appropriately.
In other words: knowing the type of dementia allows for a better understanding of its course and helps adapt follow-up and care.
Myth 3: “If a person remembers things from the past, they cannot have dementia.”
This is one of the most common beliefs and, at the same time, one of the most confusing.
Recent memory and remote memory do not work in the same way
In many dementias, recent memory is the most affected, while older memories may be preserved for a longer time. This is why it is common to hear statements such as:
“They remember everything from their youth; the problem is with recent things.”
A person may clearly remember experiences from many years ago and, at the same time, have difficulty remembering:
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what they had for breakfast
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a recent conversation
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a medical appointment
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or an activity from the previous day
Memory is not a single function. It is made up of different systems, and not all of them are affected at the same time or with the same intensity.
Understanding this helps to better interpret everyday situations and to reduce unnecessary tension.
In other words: preserving older memories does not rule out the presence of dementia.
Myth 4: “After the diagnosis, there is nothing left to do.”
This is one of the myths with the greatest emotional impact on families. Although for many dementias we still do not have a curative treatment, there is a great deal that can be done to improve quality of life and well-being for both the person and their environment.
Moreover, an early diagnosis allows people to:
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plan decisions more calmly
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adjust roles and expectations
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prevent risks
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access health and social care resources
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start non-pharmacological interventions
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and, in some cases, consider participation in clinical trials
Common interventions include tailored cognitive stimulation, the structuring of schedules and routines, the creation of predictable and safe environments, emotional support for both the person and the caregiver, and the management of vascular risk factors.
In addition, for some individuals, clinical trials may be an option to consider. These studies are regulated, supervised by specialized teams and offer access to new therapeutic strategies within a controlled and safe setting.
Providing good support is also a form of treatment. The way we are present, the quality of the relationship and the calm with which the process is experienced have a real impact on everyday life.
In other words: even if a cure is not always possible, it is always possible to care, to support and to keep moving forward.
Myth 5: “Clinical trials are a form of experimentation.”
It is understandable that clinical trials raise concerns, especially when a loved one is involved.
These studies follow strict safety protocols, are supervised by specialized teams and ethics committees, and participation is always voluntary. Families receive clear information about the objectives of the study, follow-up procedures and potential benefits or risks.
Inclusion criteria, medical monitoring and regular visits are rigorous, and the team ensures the person’s well-being at all times.
Participation can contribute to scientific progress and offer access to new therapeutic options, but it is a personal decision that should be made with adequate information and peace of mind.
In other words: what matters most is being able to ask questions, understand and decide calmly.
When to seek professional advice?
It is advisable to seek professional guidance when the following appear:
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memory changes that progress over time
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difficulties organizing or carrying out routine tasks
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disorientation in time or space
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changes in behavior or personality that are noticeable
Seeking advice does not mean confirming a diagnosis, but rather gaining a better understanding of what is happening.
Each person experiences dementia differently. No two courses are the same. When in doubt, asking for guidance can ease uncertainty and open the door to support.
In this sense, distinguishing between myths and realities does not eliminate difficulties, but it helps people go through the process with greater clarity, less guilt and more tools to provide better support.
And supporting well is also a way of caring.
Gemma Ortega, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
