Top 10 Myths About Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

Dispelling myths about Alzheimer’s Disease is important for understanding the risk and managing expectations. Here are some common myths and the truths behind them:

1. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Are the Same: While Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, they are not the same. Dementia is a broader category of brain diseases that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities¹.
2. Genetics Determine Everything: If a parent has Alzheimer’s, it does raise your risk, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop it. Lifestyle and environmental factors also play a significant role¹.
3. Only Old People Get Alzheimer’s: Age is a risk factor, but Alzheimer’s can also affect younger individuals, known as early-onset Alzheimer’s¹.

1. Memory Loss Equals Alzheimer’s: Occasional memory loss is a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s involves more serious memory issues along with other cognitive deficits².
2. No Treatments Available: There are no cures yet, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life¹.
3. Inevitable With Age: Not everyone will develop Alzheimer’s as they age. Only about 20% of older adults experience dementia³.
4. Plaques and Tangles Mean Alzheimer’s: Some people have amyloid plaques and tau tangles in their brains but do not show symptoms of Alzheimer’s, thanks to the brain’s resilience³.
5. Brain Games Are Necessary: While brain games can be beneficial, a variety of mentally stimulating activities can offer similar benefits³.
6. Alzheimer’s Symptoms Are Normal Aging: The symptoms of Alzheimer’s are more severe than the normal changes in memory and cognition associated with aging².
7. Nothing Can Lower Your Risk: Healthy behaviors like regular exercise and a balanced diet may help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, even for those with genetic predispositions³.

Occasional memory loss is a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s involves more serious memory issues along with other cognitive deficits

Understanding these facts can help in making informed decisions about health and lifestyle that may impact Alzheimer’s risk.

1. nia.nih.gov
2. alz.org
3. rightathome.net
4. bing.com
5. en.wikipedia.org