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Dementia is not only about memory disorders. It can also cause problems with speech, and impair attention, concentration and cognition. There are primary and secondary forms of this disease, of which 90 percent. primary dementia. Although the condition is common, there are still many myths surrounding dementia.
How is dementia diagnosed?
Characteristic symptoms that may indicate the development of dementia are:
- confusion,
- memory problems,
- feeling of constant anxiety,
- difficulties in carrying out daily activities,
- speech disorder,
- decrease in interest in interpersonal contacts, passion or work,
- incorrect threat assessment,
- mood swings,
- irritability, distrust and others.
In order to better understand the problem of dementia, and thus properly respond to the diagnosis of its symptoms, it is first of all necessary to distinguish between what is true and what is wrong with the prevailing myth. Here are 10 untrue facts about dementia.
1. Dementia is inevitable with age
This statement is not true. Dementia is not a normal part of the aging process. In contrast, risk factors for dementia increase with age.
According to a report published by the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of dementia, affects 3% of adults. people aged 65-74 in the United States.
2. Dementia and Alzheimer's are the same
This is not quite a correct statement. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that accounts for 60-80 percent of the population. all cases of dementia. Other types of dementia include frontotemporal dementia (FTD), vascular dementia, mixed dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
Dementia is defined as a loss of cognitive functioning - thinking, remembering, and reasoning - and of behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with daily life.
Although the forms of dementia share some common characteristics, each type has its own underlying pathology.
Alzheimer's disease is associated with the accumulation of so-called plaques and tangles in the brain. These structures interfere with the brain cells, eventually killing them. In contrast, brain cell death in vascular dementia occurs due to a lack of oxygen, which it may result inexample from a stroke.
3. A family member has dementia so I will get sick too
A common myth is that dementia is genetically determined. In other words, just because someone in your family is diagnosed with dementia does not mean that it will develop later in the younger generations.
Although some forms of dementia have a genetic component, most cases do not have a strong genetic link.
The most important risk factor for dementia is age. However, if a parent or grandparent developed Alzheimer's disease under the age of 65, the likelihood of genetic transmission of the disease is greater.
However, early-onset Alzheimer's disease is relatively rare. Since most cases of dementia are Alzheimer's disease, this means that in most situations it is not hereditary.
4. Dementia only affects the elderly
Age is a risk factor for dementia, but the disease can rarely affect younger adults.
5. Dementia signals the end of a meaningful life
Luckily, that's not the case. Many people diagnosed with dementia lead active, meaningful lives. Some are concerned that if a doctor diagnoses dementia, they will no longer be able to walk on their own and will have to give up driving.
As dementia worsens, changes in the way a person leads their lives are likely to change, but that doesn't mean they can't live a fulfilling life.
6. Memory loss always means dementia
Although memory loss may be an early symptom of dementia, it does not necessarily signify the onset of it. Human memory can be unpredictable, and we all forget at times. However, if memory loss is interfering with your daily life, it's best to talk to your doctor.
7. Dementia is always preventable
This is unfortunately not true. Importantly, some factors can either reduce the risk of developing certain types of dementia or delay their onset.
12 factors that increase the risk of dementia:
- hypertension,
- hearing impairment,
- smoking,
- obesity,
- depression,
- lack of physical activity,
- diabetes,
- low level of social contacts,
- alcohol consumption,
- brain injuries
- air pollution.
Some of these factors may be difficult to modify, but working on any of them can help reduce your risk of developing dementia.
8. Vitamins and supplements can prevent dementia
It's a myth. Thisfor a moment there is no evidence that any vitamin or mineral supplements can reduce the risk of dementia.
9. Everyone with dementia becomes aggressive
In some cases, people with dementia can find it increasingly difficult to understand the world around them. This can be frustrating, and some people may react to emotions in an angry way. However, this does not apply to everyone.
10. Dementia is never fatal
Unfortunately, dementia can be fatal. For people over 70 years of age dementia may be a more frequent cause of death than experts have traditionally believed.
Dementia worries people, especially as they age, and this is justified in many ways. However, it is important to counter disinformation, which can increase fear and stigma.
For now, scientists are working on developing better ways to treat and prevent this disease. Hopefully, in the future, science will reduce the incidence of dementia and the fear associated with it.
Read also: 13 myths about epilepsy
About the author
Marcelina Dzięciołowska Editor for many years associated with the medical industry. He specializes in he alth and an active lifestyle. A private passion for psychology inspires her to take up difficult topics in this field. Author of a series of interviews in the field of psycho-oncology, the aim of which is to build awareness and break stereotypes about cancer. He believes that the right mental attitude can work wonders, therefore he promotes professional knowledge based on consultations with specialists.