Myth 1: Dementia / Alzheimer's disease diagnosis does not mean that life is over as we know it.
The average person lives 4 to 8 years after being diagnosed with Dementia / Alzheimer's? People can live a meaningful and active life for many years after the diagnosis. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, staying hydrated and staying sociable may help to slow the disease.
Myth 2: Dementia / Alzheimer's is a normal part of ageing.
As we get older, we have an occasional memory problem, like forgetting where we put our glasses or returning a phone call.
The disease is more than just the occasional memory loss and is a disease that causes brain cells not to work well and die eventually.
If a person is having problems with memory, it is essential to see your family doctor.
Myth 3: My parents had Dementia / Alzheimer's. Does this mean I am going to get it?
Even if a person in your family has Dementia / Alzheimer's disease, only 5% of all cases of Alzheimer's are the type that runs in families.
Myth 4: Only older people can get Dementia / Alzheimer's disease.
False ~ The disease can occur in people in their 30s, 40s and 50s.
This is called early-onset Dementia / Alzheimer's disease is more common in older people; however, some younger people are affected by this disease.
Myth 5: Does aluminum pots or drinking out of aluminum cans cause Alzheimer's disease?
During the 1960s and 1970s, some researchers thought that aluminum could be a potential cause of Dementia / Alzheimer's disease.
Experts have done a large amount of research and have not found any link showing that aluminum causes Dementia / Alzheimer's disease. SO don't go throwing out those pots yet!
Myth 6: There is a cure for Dementia / Alzheimer's disease.
We do not have a cure. Medications and support, if started early, can help with the symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Myth 7: Dementia / Alzheimer's disease can be prevented.
There is no single treatment that can prevent Dementia / Alzheimer's disease.
Health experts recommend some strategies that can help to lower the risk:
— Keeping your brain challenged
— Eating a healthy diet (high in fruits, vegetables and fish)
— Exercising regularly
— Lowering stress
— Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar under control
— Avoiding brain injuries (like concussions and falls)
— Staying socially active
Myth 8: Alzheimer's disease is not fatal.
Alzheimer's disease has no survivors.
It slowly takes away a person's identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk, and find their way home. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviours and loss of body functions.
Myth 9: All people who have Dementia / Alzheimer's disease become violent.
The disease affects each person differently. A person with Dementia / Alzheimer's disease can become confused, frustrated and frightening, leading them to become aggressive or violent.
The more you can learn about the disease, the more you can adjust how you communicate and interact with the person with Dementia / Alzheimer's disease to lowering stress and frustration.
Myth 10 – The flu or COVID-19 Vaccination increases the risk of Dementia / Alzheimer's
No studies have shown that the flu shot or other vaccines increase Dementia / Alzheimer's disease risk.
*Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options.
Ideal Caregivers 4u provides ongoing continuing education courses to all team members throughout the year.
Our Team has attended The Dementia Society's Dementia Friendly Training.
A full list of Dementia-Friendly trained organizations in Ottawa and Renfrew County can be found here.
Servicing the Ottawa Community since 1998.
We are now accepting clients in Smith Falls, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, through to Kingston, Ontario.
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