SHARES
Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive functions, severe enough to interfere with daily activities. In particular, Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia.
The symptoms of dementia can vary greatly. In summary, symptoms include impairment in memory, language, attention, reasoning and visual perception. Generally most dementia cases are progressive and worsen over time. Eventually, it could even become fatal by taking away a person’s identity and ability to undergo daily activities.
Dementia has always been a mystery to many. In brief, these are common dementia myths and the corresponding facts.
Debunking the 5 Common Dementia Myths
Myth 1: Dementia is the same as Alzheimer’s disease.
Fact: Dementia and Alzheimer’s are not the same. Whilst dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms due to loss of cognitive functions, Alzheimer’s is a specific form of dementia.
Myth 2: Being forgetful is a natural progress in ageing.
Fact: Although it is normal to have occasional memory problems, someone with dementia will not be able to recall information. Such examples of memory loss include forgetting newly learned details, asking for the same information repeatedly and increased dependence on memory aids.
Myth 3: Dementia is exclusive to older people.
Fact: While dementia is most prevalent among people older than 65 years old, it can also affect people in their thirties. When dementia strikes someone below 65 years old, it is specifically known as younger-onset or early onset dementia.
Myth 4: Dementia runs in the family.
Fact: There is no strong, known genetic link in most types of dementia. On the other hand, it might be possible to minimise inherited risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Myth 5: Dementia is curable.
Fact: Dementia cannot be treated. Nevertheless, early diagnosis enables medication and lifestyle changes to manage the early symptoms and delay disease progression.
Although there is no treatment or cure for dementia, it is still important to obtain an early diagnosis. If you or your loved one appears to be increasingly forgetful lately, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
References:
Mental exercise for dementia patients.: https://www.getdoc.co/mental-exercise-dementia/
Common myths surrounding dementia. https://www.barchester.com/dementia-blog/common-myths-surrounding-dementia
8 Dementia myths and the truth behind them. https://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/8-dementia-myths-and-the-truth-behind-them.aspx
Dementia – Shattering the myths. http://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/About-dementia/What-is-dementia/Shattering-the-myths
Confronting the myths. https://www.dementia.org.au/information/for-health-professionals/dementia-the-essentials/confronting-the-myths
Myths. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/myths
10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
If you would like to make an appointment with a Geriatrician:
Find a Geriatrician in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find a Geriatrician in Singapore, on GetDoc
by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
