If you or a loved one has been newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), you may be overwhelmed with questions about the disease. Sorting out the myths from facts about AD can be a daunting undertaking. Many of the beliefs people have about AD arise from the stigma associated with an aging person who suffers and loses all sense of independence. But those beliefs couldn’t be further from the truth, particularly in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
In many instances, fear and stigmatization has actually delayed families from moving forward to seek medical advice in an attempt to dodge a diagnosis of AD-even when symptoms become evident and are aiming toward a positive diagnosis.
A popular myth is; why get an early diagnosis, there is nothing that can be done about the disease anyhow. The facts are that early diagnosis can dramatically increase the quality of life for a person with AD.
Stigma surrounding the disease can also lead caregivers and family members from seeking adequate support from friends as well as formal support groups and services. The facts are that families who reach out for support fare far better in the long run and are able to manage all stages of the disease much more effectively than those who avoid seeking support or asking for help.
Other common myths surrounding Alzheimer’s disease include;
Myth; Alzheimer’s dementia is a normal aging process
Facts; A diagnosis of AD differs significantly from normal aging signs and symptoms-CLICK HERE to learn more about just what the difference in clinical signs of AD vs normal aging.
Myth; People with AD can’t function normally enough to have a normal quality of life
Facts; There are many therapies, interventions and treatments that can enable a person with AD to have a much better quality of life than those who do not seek out early treatment and intervention. Sign up for our 25 lesson FREE course today at AlzU.org to learn more about interventions for AD.
Myth: Since there is no cure for AD, there’s no reason to seek out early diagnosis.
Facts; Not recognizing AD as a disease results in even more shame and isolation than getting a diagnosis, becoming educated about the disease, and seeking out support.
Myth; Alzheimer’s disease involves an alteration in behavior.
Facts: Everyone with a diagnosis of AD is different, not everyone has severe behavioral symptoms, by learning about the disease process and symptoms, families find it easier to effectively manage symptoms of the disease-learn more about management of symptoms of AD by signing up for our 25 lesson course at AlzU.org today.
