Alzheimer's disease is a condition affecting the memories and brain function of thousands of patients across the country. Despite how common it is, there's a lot of misinformation circulating about this disease. Understanding it will help you better meet the elderly care needs of loved ones who suffer from the condition.

Correcting Myths About Alzheimer's for Better Elderly Care

1. Alzheimer's and Dementia Are the Same 

Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions involving memory loss and cognitive difficulties. Alzheimer's disease is one type of dementia, and the most common, but not the only kind. Others include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Parkinson's disease.

2. Alzheimer's Is Caused by Everyday Factors

Alzheimer's has been wrongly blamed on many causes including toxicity from aluminum cookware, silver dental fillings, products containing aspartame, and vaccinations; avoiding healthy supplementation was also considered to be a culprit. The symptoms of Alzheimer's are caused by brain cell death which is related to plaques forming in the brain. The cause of these brain changes is unknown.

3. Only Elderly People Get It

The risk of Alzheimer's increases with age, so many patients in elderly care and nursing homes experience it. However, about 5% of Alzheimer's cases develop in patients younger than 65. Most early-onset cases link to three specific genes called APP, PSEN 1, and PSEN 2.

4. The Disease Is Always Hereditary

Some genes can increase your risk of developing the disease; however, this is only one risk factor of many. Having a parent or other family member with Alzheimer's doesn't mean you will have it—and you can get it even if relatives haven’t.

5. There Is an Absolute Cure

Certain drugs have delayed the development of symptoms for up to a year in some patients, but long-term, the disease can't stop, slow, or reverse. You can decrease your risk of developing the condition with healthy diet and exercise.

If your loved one needs elderly care to help them cope with Alzheimer's or other conditions, choose Englewood Health Care Center in Monroeville, AL. Serving Monroe County, they offer around-the-clock care for those who need it, and independent living options. To ask about availability, call (251) 575-3285, or learn more about their options online.