Debunking Common Myths about Alzheimer’s
Having a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease can be an uncertain and often scary time. One thing is for sure, you undoubtedly want to support your loved one as much as possible. If you’re hopping online to do some research, it’s essential to be able to differentiate fact from fiction when it comes to this diagnosis. In this article, our Tapestries memory care team will discuss some common myths about Alzheimer’s disease – debunking what’s false, and giving you the truth so you can better prepare for the road ahead with your loved one.
Myth #1: Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are the same thing.
Dementia is the word for the conditions in which someone suffers from impaired thinking, reasoning, memory, and behavior. There are several different types of dementia, and the reason the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” are often used interchangeably is because Alzheimer’s is the most common and well-known. However, to be clear: they are two different things. A person can be diagnosed with dementia and not have Alzheimer’s disease; they might have one of the lesser known dementias like vascular dementia.
Myth #2: I will develop Alzheimer’s disease if one of my parents has it.
While there is no way to definitively know who will develop Alzheimer’s, we do know that certain genetic mutations that are passed down through your parents can make it more likely that you develop Alzheimer’s in the future. It’s important to understand that a parent being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s does not mean that you will 100% develop it when you’re older. While scientists don’t yet know the exact causes of Alzheimer’s, it’s recommended to engage in healthy behaviors like regular exercise, drinking enough water, and eating a well-balanced diet to help decrease your chances.
Myth #3: There are no treatments available for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
We’ve seen a tremendous amount of progress with different Alzheimer’s treatments during the last decade. Certain medications can be used to manage and mitigate symptoms, while other programs like music therapy have proven to be hugely beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s.
Although there is no known cure, through a combination of medication, certain therapies, and various coping strategies, people with Alzheimer’s are able to live comfortable and fulfilling lives, even after their symptoms become more severe.
Alzheimer’s care at United Methodist Communities
While you undoubtedly want to take care of your senior loved one after their diagnosis, Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult to manage alone. Especially as symptoms progress, and you may find yourself needing more help than you are capable of providing on your own. At UMC, we have dedicated Tapestries Memory Care neighborhoods designed specifically for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, and we offer around-the-clock care to ensure our residents are safe, comfortable, and thriving at all times.
There’s no denying that Alzheimer’s disease is a difficult thing that affects the whole family. Rest assured that with care from our memory care specialists at UMC, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being professionally cared for by people who see this type of diagnosis everyday.
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about Alzheimer’s disease. If you have questions or need some more information to help you differentiate fact from fiction, please contact our team at UMC today: https://umcommunities.org
