Separating Fact from Fiction: Common Myths About Alzheimer's Disease Debunked
Courtney Carter
/ Categories: WELLNESS, 2024

Separating Fact from Fiction: Common Myths About Alzheimer's Disease Debunked

A progressive neurological disorder, Alzheimer's disease is often misunderstood due to various long-held myths and misconceptions. These myths can hinder understanding and delay diagnosis and treatment.

Here, we address six of the most common myths about disease.

Myth 1: Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Are the Same

A common misconception is that Alzheimer's disease and dementia are interchangeable terms. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Myth 2: Only Older Adults Develop Alzheimer's

While age is a significant risk factor*, Alzheimer's is not exclusive to the elderly. Early-onset Alzheimer's can occur in individuals as young as 30, although it is rare. Approximately 5% of people with Alzheimer's have early-onset forms of the disease, however, this is more likely to be related to genetic risk factors than the late onset variant.

Myth 3: Memory Loss Is a Normal Part of Aging

While some memory loss can be expected with aging, Alzheimer's-related memory loss is different. It involves more severe and persistent memory problems that interfere with daily life. It is crucial to differentiate between normal age-related forgetfulness and Alzheimer's symptoms.

Myth 4: Alzheimer's Is Solely a Genetic Disease

Although genetics can play a role in the development of Alzheimer's, it is not solely a hereditary disease. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and exposure to environmental risks also contribute to the risk. Having a parent with Alzheimer's does not guarantee that one will develop the disease.

Myth 5: There Is No Hope or Treatment for Alzheimer's

While it’s true there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, there are treatments available that can manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications can help with cognitive symptoms, and ongoing research is exploring new treatment avenues. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected.

Current medications cannot stop worsening of symptoms or bring lost memory back, but can help to slow the progression of the disease.  Beginning these medications earlier in the disease course may help to preserve daily functioning and allow for planning for the future.  Equally as important as medications are support networks, addressing safety issues, and proper living arrangements.

Myth 6: Alzheimer's Can Be Prevented

No definitive prevention method exists today. However, certain lifestyle choices may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. These include maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and managing cardiovascular health. However, these strategies do not guarantee prevention.

Dispelling myths about Alzheimer's disease is crucial for improving understanding and support for those affected. By recognizing the facts, individuals and caregivers can seek appropriate medical advice early, which can lead to better management of the disease and enhanced quality of life for patients and their families.

 

Jennie Smyth is a PA with the neurology department of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. 

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COVID-19 Scams

Scams are almost as old as time. They always take advantage of our vulnerabilities and fears. So in times of mass panic, like has been caused by COVID-19, opportunities for scammers increase, said Southwestern Vermont Health Care's Information Technology Security Engineer Geoffrey Mazanec.

IT experts noted a 667 percent increase in malicious phishing e-mails as of the end of last month. Security firm Barracuda Networks identified 137 coronavirus-related phishing emails in January, 1,188 in February, and more than 9,000 in March. 

There are most likely several reasons for the increase.

  • First, many scams exploit our fears. As fear increases, so to opportunities for scammers. Many scams have been tweaked to include a reference to COVID-19, which may cause people to react more quickly and without thinking.
  • Scammers also exploit our desires to be good people—to pay our bills on time and follow directions—which could also be heightened during a crisis.
  • During COVID-19, everyone is conducting more business remotely. In the effort to keep all of our online activities straight, we may lose track of who is on the other end of the phone line or e-mail.
  • Mazanec notes that, with so many people out of work, scammers may have taken what had been a part-time swindling gig full time.

These startling statistics and our increased vulnerability make it a great time for a refresher about how scammers attack and how to avoid getting caught in a scheme.

Phishing. The most common way scammers operate is by phishing. They call or e-mail, usually posing to be a company or organization that you trust: the IRS, Medicare or Medicaid, or a company that you have done business with before. And they are crafty. They can even make it look as if they are calling from a business you recognize. They are counting on your thinking that they are the real thing.

"Lots of people, looking for protective equipment, for instance, are purchasing from companies that they have not dealt with in the past," Mazanec said. "Scammers want you to believe that you have purchased from them, when you have not."

They might send you an "invoice due" message with a .pdf attachment, or they might provide a link for you to click and log in. They want you to do one of two things: (1) Give up your personal information, either over the phone or by logging in to a fake sign-in page or (2) click on a .pdf or website that will infect your system.

So what can you do? Mazanec recommends not clicking. "If you don’t recognize it, don't open it. Instead, always question whether it is legitimate. And, no matter who it is, don't give anyone usernames or passwords."

Disconnect the call or delete the e-mail and call the company directly. If you don't have their number on hand, you can find it using a Google search. If you ask them whether they just called or e-mailed you, you will likely find that they have not. Congratulations. You’ve just avoided a scam.

Too good to be true. Some scammers are also selling fake products. For instance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued warnings to seven companies selling fraudulent products that claim to test for, prevent, or treat COVID-19. Some even claimed to be approved by the FDA! Other companies are taking personal information in exchange for being added to a fake list for early access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

There is no valid at-home test for COVID-19 and no viable at-home treatments, unless you count rest and plenty of fluids for mild cases. Consult with your local healthcare provider before taking any testing or treatment action, as some can be harmful or even deadly.

To avoid scams like this one, read, watch, and listen to reputable news sources. If there is a legitimate at-home test, treatment, or vaccine, you will hear reports about it from your state's department of health and other official organizations.

More information about scams related to COVID-19 can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/media/phishing.html and https://www.ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams-consumer-advice.

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