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Unmasking Myths About Alzheimers

As with any devastating disease, Alzheimers Disease included, there are always a number of myths and misunderstandings that abound. Rumor and innuendo are to be expected when lay people attempt to comprehend difficult medical concepts. Things are missed in translation or given their own interpretation which may or may not be accurate. That’s just human nature.

We came across this article which dispels some of the myths which have grown up around Alzheimers. It’s well worth the read.

Alzheimer Myths Unveiled

Typically, there are myths that surround every illness, and Alzheimer’s disease is no exception to the rule. When a diagnosis of this disorder is received from a doctor, it is critical to know fact from fiction, in order to better manage this devastating illness. This article will debunk four common rumors regarding Alzheimer’s disease.

One common myth that some people have is that Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal, which of course is not true. Alzheimer’s works by destroying brain cells, causing memory loss, awkward social situations, loss of bodily functions, and a whole host of other side effects. Bit by bit, the disease will take away one’s ability to lead a normal life such as was enjoyed before one was diagnosed.

A second myth involves people with good intentions wishing away the symptoms of the disease. They may be unwilling to admit that they have a problem to friends or family, even while their memory loss increases.

Individuals who are in denial typically do not receive help until their condition is already at a moderate level, and they begin to suffer impaired function in their lives. Some may not recognize that they have a problem at all, and it will require an incident to get friends and family involved in the treatment plan.

Some individuals believe that there is currently treatment that can stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease; however, this is unfortunately a myth. While research is being conducted at a rapid pace, the only options that exist in treating Alzheimer’s involves drugs which temporarily relieve symptoms for as long as a year and then will cease to work. Management of the illness is currently the only alternative to the lack of treatment.

Some individuals think that silver dental fillings can cause an early onset of Alzheimer’s or contribute to a higher risk to those over the age of 65, due to the fact that most heavy metals are toxic to humans in large quantities.

The World Health Organization and the FDA have conducted numerous studies to set to rest any public health concerns regarding mercury amalgams, and the National Institute of Health, as well as the New England Journal of Medicine, have backed up these findings.

Eliminating falsehoods and exposing truth is an important process of learning and the debunking of these myths should clear up some misconceptions regarding Alzheimer’s disease. With so much more to learn, staying informed is essential to proper management of this illness.