Myths of Dementia

Alzheimer's disease and dementia can be somewhat of a mystery to people. Given this reality, there are a number of myths that have been generated over the years. These myths can obscure the understanding of dementia as well as the issues that families and friends of those who suffer from these diseases may face. Let's take a look at a few of the most common myths and the truth behind them.

MYTH 1: Dementia Naturally Comes With Age

Although its true that dementia tends to affect all older individuals, it does not necessarily occur in everyone. Only approximately five percent of the population older than 65 have dementia and there are millions of people that are well into their 80s and beyond without any memory deterioration.

MYTH 2: Dementia is Directly Linked to Aluminum Exposure

This myth became popular years ago when it was believed that using aluminum pots to cook with and cans to drink from caused dementia. Many thought that the aluminum was exposed to dialysis patients, ultimately creating this medical condition. This is completely false.

MYTH 3: Red Wine Safeguards You From Dementia

While one drink or less per night may be beneficial, there is very little evidence that shows low-level drinking can protect you from dementia. The chemical found in red wine, resveratrol, can be good for your health, but to reap the benefits you would have to drink approximately twenty bottles each night.

MYTH 4: Dementia is Hereditary

Some forms of dementia do have genetic components, but it doesn't guarantee that you will get it if your aunt had it. With many inherited diseases, you can control how dementia plays a role in your life. Through keeping yourself healthy through exercise and eating properly, your risk level goes down.

MYTH 5: Dementia Impairs an Individual's Ability to Understand Surroundings

A little bit of brain anatomy here - communication and awareness are two separate areas. Just because an individual with dementia isn't communicating, it does not mean that they do not understand what is going on around them. Even though they may be limited in their communication, they can still understand their surroundings.

MYTH 6: The Herbal Supplement Gingko Biloba Prevents Dementia

There are many supplements and herbs that claim to prevent memory loss and conditions related to dementia. While an overall increase in health may be a beneficial component, gingko biloba showed no effect on memory in a multitude of studies.

MYTH 7: Concussions and Head Injuries Cause Dementia

There has been much debate over this topic and whether head injuries are related to dementia. While concussions do have significant implications, other medical conditions tend to arise from this type of injury and there has been no direct correlation between the two.