When dementia affects someone you love, the road ahead can be filled with hardships, complexities, and often, misconceptions. As family members of someone showing signs of dementia or diagnosed with this condition, it’s vitally important to differentiate between the myths and realities surrounding dementia progression. Knowing the truth behind the condition allows you to better understand what your loved one is going through and puts your mind at ease regarding future prospects for you and your family member. Here are five dementia myths we would like to clear up to make your journey easier.
- Genetics Determine Everything: One of the most pervasive myths about dementia is the belief that it is solely determined by genetics, specifically, that having a parent with the disease seals one’s fate. While genetics play a role in the risk factors, they are not the whole story.A combination of genetic and life factors influences Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This means that even if a parent has Alzheimer’s, it doesn’t guarantee the same path for their children. You should focus on what can be controlled: adopting healthy behaviors. Exercise, nutrition, abstention from unhealthy habits, and engaging in cognitive activities have been shown to stave off dementia progression.
- Dementia Equates to Alzheimer’s Disease: A common misunderstanding is equating all forms of dementia with Alzheimer’s disease, believing they are one and the same. While Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent type of dementia, ‘dementia’ is an umbrella term encompassing a group of conditions affecting memory, cognitive abilities, and daily functioning.A lot of advice given to family members of Alzheimer’s patients can also apply to those with a family member suffering from a related condition. As such, learning more about the topic from the vast sea of resources online can give you a more informed perspective.
- Dementia Cannot Be Prevented: It’s a common misconception that dementia is an unavoidable aspect of aging that cannot be prevented. However, research indicates that certain lifestyle adjustments can significantly influence the risk of developing dementia. These include dietary choices, exercise, cognitive stimulation, and avoiding smoking.Everyone should aim to adopt a healthy lifestyle early on, not waiting until later stages in life to make these changes. As a bonus, these lifestyle changes will benefit more than just brain health.
- Brain Health is Static in Healthy Individuals: Many believe that if they’re generally healthy, their brain health and function remain unchanged as they age. Recent research, however, challenges this notion by showing that the brain, much like the rest of the body, changes over time. Like skin that sags with age, the brain can undergo apparent changes that slow reaction speeds and affect memory and cognition. Importantly, this can happen even if no other conditions like dementia affect the individual.Keeping your body and brain healthy is more than just something to stave off dementia – it can play a vital role in overall health as you age.
- Dementia Progression is the Same for Everyone: A widespread myth is that dementia follows a uniform progression across all individuals diagnosed with the condition. In reality, the progression of dementia can vary significantly from person to person, influenced by the type of dementia, the individual’s overall health, and the support systems in place. Some may experience a slow progression over many years, while others may face a more rapid decline.
No matter the progression of the condition, support, and care cannot be sacrificed. If your family member is entering the initial stages of a dementia diagnosis, contact A Banyan Residence today. Our facilities are perfectly equipped to provide memory care to Florida seniors and help them live their best lives.
