Myth 1: Memory loss is a normal part of aging Reality: While it’s normal to have occasional memory lapses as we age, such as forgetting names of someone you just met, when that memory loss disrupts one’s daily life, that is a cause for concern. The frequent memory loss that is part of Alzheimer’s results in needing to rely on memory aids or family members for things that one previously handled on their own. Myth 2: Alzheimer’s is not a fatal disease Reality: Alzheimer’s disease is America’s seventh-leading cause of death – ahead of breast and prostate cancers combined. It slowly destroys brain cells, ultimately leading to the loss of body functions and death. Myth 3: Alzheimer’s only affects the elderly Reality: 6.7 million Americans over age 65 are living with Alzheimer’s. More than 200,000 additional people in the U.S. under age 65 are living with the disease. Myth 4: The risk from Alzheimer’s is the same for everyone Reality: While the main risk factor for Alzheimer’s is aging, some population groups are at greater risk than others. Black Americans are twice as likely as whites to be diagnosed, and Hispanic- Latinos are 50% more likely. And, as a group, two- thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women. Myth 5: I can ignore the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and get by Reality: Some people are able to temporarily work around the memory loss and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s, compensating in other ways, but delaying diagnosis is detrimental because it also delays access to medications, supportive services, planning and other resources that help both the person with Alzheimer’s as well as caregivers and loved ones. Delaying the diagnosis does not delay the progression of the disease. To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and services available through the Alzheimer’s Association, go to www.alz.org or call the free Helpline, staffed around the clock by trained professionals, at 800-272-3900. All programs are available to families at no charge.
5 myths about Alzheimer’s disease Despite its prevalence, Alzheimer’s disease is not widely understood. Even some of the people most clearly at risk will go to great lengths to maintain a distance from the illness. “Callers to our Helpline sometimes won’t even give us their name,” said Bird. “For some, acknowledging their concerns about memory loss may be an admission of their worst fears – that they have Alzheimer’s disease. For that reason, many people don’t want to address the subject. But it’s important for people to realize that there can be other causes of memory loss, making it crucial to get a doctor’s diagnosis.” The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest non- governmental source of funding for research to find a cure for the disease. Currently the Association has over $360 million invested in 1,000 research projects in 53 countries. That research is ongoing. Until a cure is found, people should be aware of some common myths regarding Alzheimer’s:
25 The Acumen
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