The term dementia refers to the deprivation of the mind. It is a catch-all term for memory loss, bewilderment, personality changes, a decline in thinking skills, and a loss of ability to perform daily activities.
Dementia affects brain regions associated with learning and memory. As a result, the difficulty of remembering new information is a common symptom. Most individuals in the initial diagnosis are aware that they are having difficulty remembering things, which causes them to feel afraid, bewildered, and embarrassed. They will strive to uphold an everyday life while hiding their memory loss from family and friends. This is known as “masking,” which can be very challenging.
Below are the most common misconceptions of dementia that can cause hindrance in the understanding of the disease and assisting those affected.
Can’t reduce the risk of dementia.
This is not entirely true. There is mounting evidence that staying socially engaged and learning a new skill or hobbies, frequently exercising, eating healthily, limiting alcohol intake, and controlling high blood pressure, can significantly help reduce the risk of dementia. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and word puzzles may also be beneficial in maintaining good brain health and establishing the cognitive reserve.
It’s an old age disease.
Dementia is not a normal part of aging, it’s not an older person’s disease. It’s normal for people to experience occasional memory problems as they age, such as forgetting the name of someone they’ve just met. Dementia, on the other hand, is more than just forgetfulness. It’s a condition that causes brain cells to malfunction and eventually die. When this happens, a person may forget the name of a long-lost friend or the directions to a home they’ve lived in for decades.
Dementia is known as Alzheimer.
The terms dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are considered to be synonymous. That’s partly because it’s difficult to tell them apart. Typically, a specific type of dementia can only be diagnosed after a person has died through an autopsy. Dementia comes in a variety of forms. The most common is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease affects half or more of people with dementia. It is caused by the buildup of protein tangles and clumps in and around brain cells. Those very same tangles and clumps end up making it difficult for brain cells to communicate with one another, and they can kill them.
I’ll get it because a family member has dementia.
One common misconception of dementia is to be solely genetic. In other words, if a person’s family member has dementia, they are almost certain to develop dementia later in life. Although some forms of dementia have a genetic component, the vast majority of cases do not have a strong genetic link. Age, rather than genetic factors, is the most significant risk factor for dementia, as we learned above. However, if a parent or grandparent developed Alzheimer’s disease before the age of 65, the chances of it passing down genetically are higher.
Dementia causes everyone to become aggressive.
In some cases, people suffering from dementia may find it increasingly difficult to make sense of their surroundings. This confusion can be infuriating, and some people may react angrily to their emotions. This, however, is not the scenario for everyone.
During a two-year study involving 215 people with dementia, 41 percent of the participants developed aggression. When the researchers looked at the factors that increased the risk of developing aggression, they found that physical pain and a low-quality relationship between the person and their caregiver were two of the most important.
Though forgetting your directions in a familiar neighborhood can be an early warning sign of dementia, it is far from the only one to look for. In the early stage of dementia disease, symptoms may include the
- Inability to balance a checkbook or manage household tasks.
- Inability to plan and prepare meals on a regular basis.
- Inability to consistently adhere to a calendar or day planner.
- Inability to manage medications safely
Early and accurate diagnosis of dementia can often be a source of comfort for the person and their loved ones in many case scenarios. When families understand the condition early, they can seek the right guidance, daily assistance, and emotional support. Professional home care support can play an important role in helping individuals with dementia remain safe and supported at home, while giving families peace of mind.
Conclusion
Dr, Sicotte stated
“Reducing your risk requires starting these lifestyle changes from the get-go, not waiting until you’re 70,”.
There are several common misconceptions of dementia, but it doesn’t mean it can’t happen to you. There are several risk factors that need to be acted on for healthy aging.
Among these options are being physically fit, being involved in social activities, exercising your brain, consuming nutritious foods, making informed and risk-free decisions, Stress management, smoking cessation, and maintaining a healthy blood pressure level.
FAQs
What are the most common stigmas associated with dementia?
Many people believe dementia only affects very old adults, that it always leads to aggression, or that individuals with dementia completely lose awareness. These stigmas often cause fear, social isolation, and delayed diagnosis, even though dementia affects people differently and progresses at varying rates.
What conditions are commonly mistaken for dementia?
Depression, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, medication side effects, infections, and delirium are frequently misdiagnosed as dementia. This is why proper medical evaluation is critical before confirming a dementia diagnosis.
Is dementia the same as Alzheimer’s disease?
No. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, but dementia itself is an umbrella term. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, each with different causes and symptoms.
Do people with dementia understand what is happening to them?
In the early stages, many people with dementia are aware of their memory changes, which can cause anxiety, fear, or embarrassment. As the condition progresses, awareness may decrease, but emotional sensitivity often remains strong.
Does having a family member with dementia mean I will get it too?
Not necessarily. While genetics can play a role in rare early-onset cases, most dementia cases are influenced more by age, lifestyle, and overall health rather than direct inheritance.
Can someone with dementia still live independently?
In the early stages, many people with dementia can live independently with minimal support. As symptoms progress, additional help may be needed to ensure safety, medication management, and daily well-being.
