Our health is largely dictated by how we live our life. While some diseases are caused due to unpreventable factors, most are lifestyle based. This means that with awareness and a little effort on our part, we can prevent or at least keep most illnesses from cropping up before their time. One sickness that has the potential to instill fear in every human being is Alzheimer’s disease. A debilitating mental illness, Alzheimer’s robs people of their ability to function properly, remember faces and events and as it worsens, leads to death. But a better understanding of this illness may help people slow its onset. Let’s take a look at some of the myths surrounding the disease.
Like many diseases, Alzheimer’s comes with a bagful of myths. One of the most common is that it is a disease of the elderly since most of those affected are senior citizens. Second, there is a belief that Alzheimer’s isn’t fatal as it is a mental illness. Third, a doctor had earlier proposed that the disease is closely linked to flu shots. Fourth, the 60s and 70s saw people suspecting that Alzheimer’s could be caused by cooking or eating and drinking out of aluminum pots and dishes. Fifth, owing to silver dental fillings containing a mixture of mercury (which is toxic in certain forms), silver and tin, many believed that the compound could trigger Alzheimer’s.
The reaction
People’s reactions towards Alzheimer’s is naturally extreme. And the myths only add to the fear. Flu shots, for instance, can help people prevent the onset of influenza during the peak months. But the prevailing myth of flu shots being able to trigger Alzheimer’s makes them think twice about getting vaccinated. This can be dangerous as if more such myths crop up, people may abstain from getting necessary treatment for other illnesses.
The facts
The first described case of Alzheimer’s was in 1902. While many decades have passed, there is still no known cure. This, of course, has led to more worry among people as they don’t really know how to go about keeping the disease at bay. Patients aren’t the only sufferers too. The burden on caregivers, especially family members, is enormous. Aside from the emotional turmoil of seeing your loved one slowly deteriorating, there is the physical care that must be given. Treatment can be expensive and there are many instances of caregivers quitting their jobs to give full time attention to patients.
It is important to know the truth about Alzheimer’s so people can be better prepared. First and foremost, new research has shown that the disease can even affect people as young as 30 years of age. While the number of cases isn’t as high as with senior citizens, it is still significant enough to warrant attention. As for not being fatal, Alzheimer’s can lead to death as it destroys the brain cells and causes loss of bodily functions. Lastly, flu shots and silver dental fillings do not trigger Alzheimer’s. It is important to remember that there is no known reason why people suffer from the disease.
What do the experts say?
Experts have been trying to debunk the myths surrounding Alzheimer’s in the hope that people will become more aware of the truth. For instance, the belief that it is an elder person’s disease isn’t true. The facts about memory loss being associated with the aging process cannot be properly substantiated since there are some who say that their memory gets better as they grow older. Yet, there are still others who attribute their memory loss to aging. So, unless medical science finds a breakthrough, it would do people well to take all precautions to slow the memory loss process.
The myth about Alzheimer’s not being fatal is false. While it may not actually be the cause of death, it can lead to other illnesses that can cause death. This is why proper care of the patient is vital, both emotionally and physically.
No amount of study has found a link between Alzheimer’s and aluminum and silver dental fillings. It would be wrong to assume otherwise and not go for a dental filling, for example, as that could lead to other dental problems.
As for flu shots having the ability to cause Alzheimer’s, doctors have advised that the vaccinations should be taken. There is no truth to any connection between the two so avoiding your flu shots could in fact make you susceptible to influenza.
Quick tips
While Alzheimer’s cannot be totally prevented, there are tips that can be followed to reduce the risk.
1. Mental stimulation: Puzzles and strategy games, learning something new and practicing memorization help keep the brain active. This is especially important as one grows older and life takes on a sedentary route.
2. Eat healthy: Foods like fresh veggies, nuts and fruits contain vitamins and antioxidants that keep the body and brain healthy. Avoid processed foods and drink herbal beverages.
3. Exercise regularly: This proven method not only benefits the body but the mind as well. If you love sports or outdoor activities like biking or skating, wear protective headgear as head injuries can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Sleep well: Sleep deprivation messes with the body’s functions and affects the brain as well. It can impair problem solving skills, the ability to think and memory retention.
5. Be social: An active social life helps increase cognition and memory. So, get out there and find a way to keep yourself socially active. Join a club, volunteer, visit the museum or go out with friends.
