January is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. This campaign aims to raise awareness, fight stigma, reinforce human rights and push for policy change. To be a good ally, you must distinguish the facts about the disease from the myths. Here are five common Alzheimer’s myths debunked.
1. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE ONLY AFFECTS OLDER PEOPLE
Although age is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s, there are two forms of the disease. Young-onset Alzheimer’s disease is rarer and affects people from their 30s to their mid-60s. Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is more common and develops when a person is in their mid-60s and older.
2. BEING FORGETFUL IS A TELLTALE SIGN OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Many people have trouble with their memory as they get older. However, being forgetful doesn’t necessarily mean you have Alzheimer’s disease.
3. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IS PREVENTABLE
There’s no single factor that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. However, there’s growing evidence that lifestyle choices, including participating in regular activity and maintaining good heart health, may help reduce the risk.
4. YOU’LL 100% DEVELOP ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IF YOUR PARENT HAS IT
Your chance of developing Alzheimer’s is higher if you have certain genetic variants that can be passed down from a parent. However, just because a biological parent has Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean their children will automatically develop it.
5. THERE’S NO TREATMENT FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Although there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, various medications and treatments can successfully help alleviate some symptoms and improve quality of life.
This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, do your research and get involved in your local community to help raise awareness of this disease.