Today, in the United States, it is estimated that over 5.8 million aged 65 or older suffer from dementia. Some experts warn that by 2050, the number of adults with dementia could drastically increase to approximately 13.8 million, due to the fact that the average lifespan has expanded.

Dementia is a group of symptoms that affect cognitive functions, including memory, thinking, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Despite the fact that doctors raised awareness on this condition, dementia remains misunderstood by many, largely due to misconceptions and lies. These lies often prevent people from understanding this disease, leading to stigma and even fear.

In this article, we will try to uncover the 10 most common lies about dementia and set the record straight with facts.

1. Dementia is always genetic

Even though there are genetic factors that can increase the risk of developing dementia, most cases are not purely hereditary. The majority of diagnosed dementia cases are influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

For instance, poor cardiovascular health, lack of physical activity, or high levels of stress can increase the risk of developing vascular dementia, even in individuals with no family history.

What this means is that if a member of your family developed this condition, it is not likely that you will have the same diagnosis later in life.

This lie can lead people to feel helpless or resigned to the idea that dementia is inevitable due to their genetic background. In order to reduce the risk of dementia, regardless of family history, doctors advise that living a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and staying mentally active are key factors.

2. Dementia is a normal part of aging

Another highly common misconception about dementia is that it’s an inevitable consequence of growing older. While age is a significant risk factor, this condition is not a normal part of aging.

A lot of people don’t experience any form of cognitive dysfunction when growing old and end up having a perfectly functioning mind even at very old ages.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects 3% of the US population aged 65-74 years and about 17% of the population aged 75-84 years, according to a report published by the Alzheimer’s Association.

3. Dementia is the same as Alzheimer’s disease

This is not quite true. Dementia is a specter that refers to a variety of symptoms associated with cognitive decline, while Alzheimer’s disease is classified as a type of dementia. There are some other varieties of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), mixed dementia, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia.

Each type of dementia has its own unique set of symptoms, progress and underlying pathology, but they can also share certain characteristics

For example, Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a build-up of cells called plaques, while vascular dementia occurs as a result of a stroke that causes a lack of oxygen in the brain. FTD appears when brain cells in the frontal and temporal lobes die.

4. Memory loss does indicate that you will be diagnosed with dementia

Even though memory loss is one of the primary symptoms of dementia, it doesn’t exactly mean that someone developed this condition. Human memory is an unpredictable thing. However, for an adequate diagnosis, a number of other factors are to be considered

As discussed before, this disease affects other cognitive functions, and people with dementia might struggle with planning and organizing tasks, making decisions, or understanding complex ideas. These kinds of changes are usually more disruptive than memory loss itself and can significantly impact a person’s life.

While memory loss is considered to be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease, early manifestations of FTD include obsessive behaviors, speech and language difficulties, and changes in mood and personality.

5. There is no hope for people diagnosed with dementia

Many believe that dementia is a hopeless diagnosis that may signal the end of a meaningful life. This is another huge lie. While there is currently no cure to treat dementia, there are a few treatments that can help improve the quality of life and manage symptoms.

The progression of dementia can be slowed by new types of medication and therapeutic regimens that will alleviate some of the challenges the patients encounter.

In mild cases, it is less probable that big adjustments or changes will be necessary in the individual’s life.

In addition, ongoing research into this topic provides hope for future medications, and advancements in understanding the disease offer potential for new treatment regimens.

6. Dementia can be prevented

Unfortunately, this affirmation is also a lie. It is important to note that some factors can reduce the possibility of developing certain types of dementia. A 2020 report by the Lancet Commission, which evaluated dementia prevention, intervention, and care, listed the 10 factors that could increase the probability of developing the condition: smoking, obesity, cardiovascular hypertension, pollution, brain injury, alcohol consumption, diabetes, depression, physical inactivity, and low mental stimulation

It may be difficult to make some of these lifestyle changes, but the doctors who conducted the study say that: “Together, the 10 modifiable risk factors account for around 40% of worldwide dementias, which consequently could theoretically be prevented or delayed.”

 7. People with dementia are always confused and aggressive

It is a common misconception that people with dementia are constantly confused or disoriented and can even become aggressive as the condition progresses. However, this does not necessarily apply in every case.

Some individuals might find it hard to find clarity in their thoughts, recognize people, understand conversations, or participate in certain activities. This can become frustrating, and people that develop this condition can sometimes become aggressive.

By creating a supportive environment and establishing routines, caregivers can help reduce confusion and improve overall well-being.

8. Dementia only affects the elderly

While dementia is more common in older adults, it is not exclusive to them. Younger people can also develop this condition, in this case called early-onset dementia.

This occurs in individuals under the age of 65 and may be caused by genetic factors or a number of medical conditions.

A study estimates that approximately 260 people out of 100,000, aged 30-64 years, develop early-onset dementia. In the 55-64 years category, the number increases to as much as 420 people in 100,000.

9. Dementia is not a fatal disease

Dementia is a progressive and ultimately fatal condition that affects millions of people worldwide. A 2020 study that focused on adults aged 70-99 found that “approximately 13.6% of deaths were attributable to dementia over the period 2000–2009.”

While dementia itself is not always the immediate cause of death, it significantly contributes to fatal outcomes. The progression causes widespread damage to brain cells, which can lead to the loss of vital bodily functions. In the later stages, people often lose the ability to communicate, move independently, and take care of basic needs such as eating, drinking, and breathing.

All things considered, this condition can leave individuals vulnerable to secondary complications, such as infections, malnutrition, and dehydration, that can become fatal.

10. Cooking in aluminum pans can cause Alzheimer’s

There is a big lie that is being spread around, that drinking from aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can cause the apparition of Alzheimer’s disease.

Some studies showed that aluminum was found in the plaques that cause this condition. Additionally, a 1960s study, which looked at rabbits that were injected with levels of aluminum, showed that the animals developed neurological abnormalities that were similar to the plaques that form in the brains of people that have Alzheimer’s disease.

In the meantime, scientists have not found a clear link between Alzheimer’s and usage of aluminum cans and cooking pots. Although, if you want to be sure, you can use ceramic pans like these ones on Amazon.

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