Alzheimer Myths Fact or Ficton?
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, having the proper information is key. But what exactly is fact and what is fiction? There are a great number of myths that circulate regarding Alzheimer’s disease, which must be addressed. Through addressing these concerns one can better treat their love ones and better manage the illness.
A common misconception of some individuals is that Alzheimer’s isn’t a fatal disease, which unfortunately is not true. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, it builds up plaque in between neurons, which slows and retards their function. In moderate to advanced forms of this disease, a loss of brain cells will occur, leading to memory loss and poor concentration. As time progresses, these symptoms will only grow worse.
Another myth people have is that the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease aren’t real, or that the disorder is completely made up. This is far from the truth, and the further the disease progresses before diagnosis, the more difficult it is to manage.
Individuals who are in denial typically do not receive help until their condition is already at a moderate level, and they begin to suffer impaired function in their lives. Some may not recognize that they have a problem at all, and it will require an incident to get friends and family involved in the treatment plan.
Another myth frequently heard is that there are successful treatment options available to cure Alzheimer’s. This myth is untrue, as there currently exists no viable option to fix this disease, other than management of the symptoms. A few drugs can slow down the progression of this illness for half a year, but these pharmaceuticals only treat the symptoms and not the disease.
Some individuals think that silver dental fillings can cause an early onset of Alzheimer’s or contribute to a higher risk to those over the age of 65, due to the fact that most heavy metals are toxic to humans in large quantities.
The World Health Organization and the FDA have conducted numerous studies to set to rest any public health concerns regarding mercury amalgams, and the National Institute of Health, as well as the New England Journal of Medicine, have backed up these findings.
Even though a cure for Alzheimer’s has not been found as of yet, it is essential to stay current and educated with regards to information about this illness. With these four myths debunked, it is essential to do proper research in order to better treat and manage this disease.