Myth busting – Five things to know about Alzheimer’s disease

Someone in the world develops dementia every 3 seconds. By 2050, it is estimated that the number of people living with Dementia around the world will have almost trebled to 152 million making the disease one of the most significant health and social crises of the 21st century. That said, there are still many misconceptions surrounding Dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease symptoms are often played off as old age or a natural way of life. So, we’ve taken some time to explain five of the most common myths surrounding Alzheimer's and Dementia:

1. Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia are a natural part of aging

As we age, we often joke about how our joints creak or how our minds aren’t as sharp as they used to be, but memory problems are one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease people will experience. Anyone can forget a name or a face but the early signs of Alzheimer’s are different and are not a natural part of aging.

Alzheimer's disease symptoms will take time to develop and gradually worsen over time. Once the symptoms of Alzheimer's are fully developed they can begin to affect daily life.

2. There is a cure for Alzheimer’s

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Unfortunately, there isn't a cure for Alzheimer’s or Dementia at present. There have, however, have been advances in the type of treatments available to help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer's and even slow down the progression of Dementia symptoms. Having the right care and support in place can even allow people living with Alzheimer’s to lead active, full lives and continue to do things that matter most to them.

Alzheimer's disease research is constantly uncovering more about the potential causes of Alzheimer's and Dementia, helping us to improve the quality of life for those living with the condition, and searching for ways to prevent Alzheimer's disease for good.

3. Alzheimer’s disease only affects older people

Early-onset Alzheimer’s can actually affect people as young as 30. Over 42,000 people in the UK are living with early-onset Alzheimer's or dementia and like many, they will experience a wide range of symptoms, particularly in the early stages. There are, however, some differences between early-onset Alzheimer's and late-onset Alzheimer's. 

In younger people, the causes of Alzheimer's are still unclear, and the early signs can often be confused with a wider range of diseases. Memory loss is unlikely to be one of the first signs of early-onset Alzheimer's however, instead, you should look out for problems involving movement, walking, and coordination.

4. Once you develop Alzheimer's, there is nothing you can do.

As we still don't know what causes Alzheimer’s, the disease sadly cannot be reversed at the present date. You can, however, do everything possible to reduce the risk of cognitive decline in your day-to-day lives. The simplest and most effective thing is to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Evidence has shown that by:

• keeping active

• eating healthily

• reducing your alcohol intake

• staying social

• exercising your mind

you are building up your brain’s ability to cope with the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. You can also join support groups and clinical trials to share your experiences and help with the future study of Alzheimer's disease and how it affects those it touches. All this paired with the latest medical treatment, support from trained caregivers, and spotting the early signs of Alzheimer's means we are becoming better equipped to live with the effects of the disease.

5. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s means moving to a care home or nursing home.

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A person with Alzheimer's disease or Dementia will certainly need more care and support. As the symptoms of Alzheimer's progress, the need for carers outside of the family becomes clear but, a recent study found that 97% of people don’t want to go into a care home in later life. One of the most commonly known comforts for people living with Alzheimer's or Dementia is familiarity with their surroundings.

Private home care for Dementia and Alzheimer's patients is a recommended alternative (where possible), if their condition has reached the stages requiring care. Being surrounded by memories and personal belongings such as photographs, books, music, and gardens paired with a tailored person-centered care program is shown to have a greater impact on a person's overall well-being.

By reducing stress and maintaining familiar environments, the symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia become easier to manage and live with, resulting in reduced hospital admissions.

Nurseplus Care at home understands that receiving care in your own home allows those with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis to feel comfortable and alleviates the risk of depression. We provide support to you or your loved ones in the comfort of your own home ensuring a safe and secure environment at all times. All our nurses, healthcare assistants, and home carers receive regular fully-accredited training to prepare them to deliver the best practice in care at all times.

Find out more about our Nurseplus Care at home services.