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There’s a lot unknown about Alzheimer’s disease, and many myths surround the mind-altering disease. It’s necessary to separate fact from fiction. As misnomers are addressed, it removes some of the stigmas attached to Alzheimer’s. Because knowledge is power, it delivers hope to people who fear developing the most common form of dementia.
Ignore the myths and engage with the truth about Alzheimer’s disease.
Fact: Your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases with age, but it is not a natural part of aging. For most people with Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms surface in their 60s, but Alzheimer’s can appear as early as 30. The condition is diagnosed as early-onset if detected between 30 and mid-60.
People are misled into believing that Alzheimer’s is an old-age disease, perhaps because as we live longer, Alzheimer’s has a greater chance of developing. The symptoms become more apparent as the disease progresses.
Fact: Alzheimer’s disease is not a mental illness. It is a brain disease that, over time, creates severe memory loss. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative condition that will eventually affect the person’s whole life, including making sound decisions and carrying out simple daily activities.
A person in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease needs assistance with basic tasks. As significant disruption to everyday life and activities is expected in the late stages of the disease, such disruptions are most often nonexistent in the early years, which is why diagnosis is crucial. With an early diagnosis, preparing for your future and taking steps to slow disease progression are possible.
There’s not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease yet. Still, medications and attention to risk factors assist in slowing its devastating march, allowing those diagnosed to live their best lives for as long as possible.
Fact: There isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are medications to treat people who have it.
Aduhelm (aducanumab) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and released to the public last year. The drug, developed by Biogen and administered by infusion, is appropriate for people in the early stages of the disease. It targets beta-amyloid plaque in the brain. While it isn’t a cure, it is the first, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, to address the “underlying biology of the disease.”
Even though there’s not a cure at this time, other medications address disease symptoms and possibly slow progression. Early detection is critical to living your best life with cognitive impairment leading to Alzheimer’s disease.
Fact: Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia. It’s the most common type and is irreversible. However, there are several different types of dementia, though Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of them. The following dementias are irreversible and without a cure.
All dementias create gradual and damaging changes in the brain that negatively affect cognitive ability and behavior.
Fact: Please do not give up on life.
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis is devastating news that no one wants to receive, but press on. The road ahead will be difficult, and there are hard days in your future, but not every single day will be hard. There’s still good food to eat, places to see, and, if you’re fortunate, family and friends to love.
A diagnosis is the first step to living your best life with the disease. Enroll in a clinical trial if you can, and pay attention to your physical health. Exercise your body and your brain and follow your doctor’s instructions. If possible, choose a loved one who is willing to share your journey.
If, like my mother, you’re a person of faith, lean in, “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7, King James Version). My mother believed that “that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, King James Version). This includes Alzheimer’s disease, which was comforting to her and to our family. Perhaps you can find purpose in your faith, too.
Seek help from a health professional who specializes in dementia and also seek professional counseling if necessary, but don’t give up. There are ways to cope with the disease, and there are hundreds of organizations and thousands of resource materials to help you navigate this journey.
Also, a cure is on the horizon. Recent medications and approvals by the FDA are signs that one may be coming, and the Alzheimer’s Association claims the first person to be cured is “out there.” Take hope and run with it!
Note: Alzheimer’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Alzheimer’s News Today or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease.
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This site is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.