General Information
Description
Key Terms
Research
Clinical Studies

 

History
Inside the Brain
Stages
Myths

 

Myths of Alzheimer's Disease

Through the years,many myths have develop about Alzheimer's disease,some are quite believable ones and some are not. Here we debunk the myths of this disease.

 

1 - Alzheimer's is not a fatal

Alzheimer is a fatal which could lead to death, or the cause of death. People who have this disease will live an average of 8 to 20 years from the first signs showing symptoms of Alzheimer's - half aslong as those who are not suffering from this disease. This disease isn't immediately life threatening, it is a gradual and slow disease that affects the body too. Many sufferers who die can also have suffered from other diseases and illnesses, its quite difficult to determine if Alzheimer's is the reason why it leads to death.

2 - Alzheimer's is a part of the aging process

In the past memory lost is a part of aging, nowadays experts recognize memory loss is a symptom of serious illness. Whether memory naturally declines to some extent remains an open question. Many people feel that their memory becomes less sharp as they grow older, but determining whether there is any scientific basis for this belief is a research challenge still being addressed.

3 - Drinking out of aluminum cans or eating meals cooked in aluminum pots and pans can cause Alzheimer's disease

Based on research and studies throwing out or getting rid of aluminum cans, pots and pans can not protect you from Alzheimer's disease.The exact role (if any) of aluminum in Alzheimer’s disease is still being researched and debated.

4 - Aspartame can lead to Alzheimer's disease

Studies have been conducted if aspartame can affect the cognitive function of humans and animals. These studies found no scientific evidence of a link between aspartame and memory loss.

5 - Head injury can lead to Alzheimer's disease

Research and studies shown that people who suffered from head injuries have Alzheimer's disease, but there in no direct link that head injuries are a direct cause of Alzheimer's although previous brain trauma is clearly now identified as a potential risk factor.

6 - Only older people can get Alzheimer's

People within the ages of 30, 40, 50 and may develop this disease. Scientists believe that people who show signs of Alzheimer's at an early age than the usual age may have FAD or Familial Alzheimer's which is a hereditary form of the disease passed on through the genes.

7 - One of my family has Alzheimer's disease, I'm going to get it

Genetics play a role in the disease, but only five to ten percent causes derive from genes that cause the disease.The role of genetics is continued to be studied.

back to top