Alzheimer's disease can be scary. Unfortunately, in the future, it's projected that more and more of us will know someone with the progressive brain condition or will develop it ourselves. About 6.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and that number is expected to double by the year 2060. But knowledge about the condition is power, and that starts by debunking some popular myths that have developed about Alzheimer's—including those about symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment. These are the nine biggest myths about Alzheimer's disease and the truths behind them.
"While aging is the most significant risk factor for Alzheimer's, it's essential to understand that Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging," says Dr. Alejandro Alva, a psychiatrist with the Mental Health Center of San Diego. "Most people age without developing the disease."
Although most people diagnosed with Alzheimer's are over age 65, the condition can be diagnosed in people as young as their 40s and 50s. This is known as early-onset Alzheimer's. "However, this form is less common," says Alva.
"Memory loss is a hallmark symptom, but Alzheimer's also affects a broad range of cognitive abilities," says Alva. These can include difficulties with reasoning, complex tasks, and spatial abilities. As Alzheimer's progresses, an affected person might have trouble communicating, recognizing their loved ones, and attending to personal care.
"Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's," says Alva. "However, early diagnosis can. offer significant benefits. It can provide a chance to access treatments that can help alleviate some symptoms and improve the quality of life. Early diagnosis also allows for better planning and a proactive approach to managing the disease."
Although some risk factors for Alzheimer's—such as age or your genes—are unavoidable, other risk factors can be changed to help your reduce risk of developing the disease, says the Alzheimer's Association. Regular exercise may benefit brain cells by increasing blood flow, a heart-healthy diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (a risk factor for Alzheimer's and dementia), and regular social interaction and intellectual activity may strengthen and stimulate the brain.
Current treatments include the medications aducanumab (Aduhelm) and lecanemab (Leqembi), which are targeted at reducing plaque buildups in the brain that are believed to contribute to Alzheimer's. Other drugs can temporarily reduce symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion.
"During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum emerged as a possible suspect in Alzheimer's," says the Alzheimer's Association. "This suspicion led to concern about exposure to aluminum through everyday sources such as pots and pans, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer's."
"A theory linking flu shots to a greatly increased risk of Alzheimer's disease has been proposed by a U.S. doctor whose license was suspended by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners," says the Alzheimer's Association. "Several mainstream studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and overall better health."
"According to the best available scientific evidence, there is no relationship between silver dental fillings and Alzheimer's," the Alzheimer's Association says.
