My dad still remembers a lot, so he can't have Alzheimer's.
It's true that many people experience memory challenges as we get older. However, the occasional forgetfulness or decline in short-term memory is more likely associated with normal aging. Seek professional evaluation any time there is concern and especially when loss of memory impacts the ability to remember loved ones or impacts activities of daily living.
Only old people are affected with Alzheimer's.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, of the estimated 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's dementia, an estimated 5.3 million are age 65 and older and approximately 200,000 individuals are under age 65 and have younger-onset Alzheimer's.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s is a rare form which can affect adults as young as their 30s, however it strikes most commonly in people in their 40s and 50s.
Alzheimer's is hereditary.
Familial Alzheimer’s disease, an early-onset type, accounts for fewer than 10 percent of people with Alzheimer’s. However, those with a “late onset” don’t demonstrate a clear pattern of heredity.
The ApoE gene has been linked to both Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease. Genetic tests are available that can identify the form of the ApoE gene a person has. However, not everyone who has Alzheimer's has the ApoE variation and not everyone who has the ApoE variation linked to Alzheimer's has the disease. So clearly, there is more to this than just genetics.
Dementia is the same as Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory caused by changes in the brain. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, but it’s not the only one.
Everyone who has Alzheimer's has dementia, but not everyone who has dementia has Alzheimer's. There are more than 70 different causes of dementia, including Parkinson's disease, strokes and Lewy body dementia. Late-onset dementia is often referred to as "age-related" dementia.
Alzheimer's is reversible.
There are reports released all the time indicating advancements in Alzheimer's research. However, at this time, there is no known cure, treatment or delay to stop the progression.
There are some medications that can temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms, however they are not always effective.
There are things that can be done to manage Alzheimer’s symptoms to slow the pace of decline and help someone with the disease retain their independence and quality of life for longer than if these things went unattended. This is especially true with an early diagnosis. Possibilities include medications, cognitive therapy and treatment for related conditions, such as depression.
Ultimately, however, Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease. A person may function fairly well for years in its early stage, or may decline rapidly.
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