Alzheimer's Facts: What You Need to Know

You might think forgetfulness is common as we age, but is it always a sign of Alzheimer's?  The answer is no. Alzheimer's dementia is a distinct disease, not simply a natural part of getting older. Dispelling myths and knowing the facts about Alzheimer’s is crucial for early detection and treatment. 

Alzheimer's vs. Dementia

Myth: Dementia and Alzheimer’s are the same thing. 

Fact: Dementia is a general term for loss of language, memory, problem-solving and other thinking abilities. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and is a degenerative brain disease that accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. While age is a risk factor, it's not the cause. Many older adults experience age-related memory lapses, but these are significantly different from the progressive cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer's.

Can I Prevent Alzheimer's Disease?

Myth: There's nothing you can do to prevent Alzheimer's.

Fact: While a genetic predisposition exists, lifestyle choices play a significant role.  Maintaining good heart health (managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes), getting regular physical and mental exercise, and adopting a healthy diet can all reduce your risk.  Protecting your brain from head injuries is also vital.

Symptoms

Myth: Alzheimer's symptoms are always obvious.

Fact: Early symptoms can be subtle, and are often mistaken for normal aging. These might include difficulty finding words, misplacing items, or struggling with complex tasks. Other early warning signs include changes in personality, behavior or judgment. Key signs to watch for include: 

• Memory – Difficulty finding words or remembering recent events/people, losing or misplacing valuable objects.
• Executive function and judgment/problem solving – Increasing trouble planning or organizing, problems with complex tasks like paying bills or following a recipe
• Other cognitive domains – Getting lost in familiar places, difficulty driving, struggling with language 
• Behavioral and psychological symptoms – Apathy, social disengagement, irritability, agitation, aggression, wandering, psychosis, sleep disturbances, needing help with basic tasks, difficulty controlling bladder and/or bowels 

Diagnosis

Myth: Alzheimer’s can be diagnosed with a brain scan.

Fact: There’s no one tool to diagnose Alzheimer’s and it’s usually a multistep process, including:

• Speaking with the affected person and their family members/friends.
• Standardized memory and cognitive (thinking) tests.
• Blood test to check for vitamin deficiencies, or chemical/hormonal imbalances.
• Brain imaging (including MRI or PET scan) to look for other problems and sometimes to help identify the type of dementia.

Taking Action

Myth: No effective interventions exist for Alzheimer's.

Fact: While there's no cure, and dementia cannot be reversed,  treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include medications, therapy, and support services.  Early diagnosis is essential for maximizing the benefits of available treatments.

While Alzheimer’s can’t be prevented, there’s much you can do to keep your brain healthy. Practice good habits including eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, exercising the body and mind and staying socially active. 

If you're concerned about Alzheimer's or notice possible signs, reach out to your Primary Care provider. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, maximizing the effectiveness of treatment and improving the quality of life for both the individual and their family.