What Appleton Seniors May Not Know About Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Common Misconceptions and Surprising Facts About Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dementia affects about 50 million people in the world and there are approximately 50 million people in the world living with dementia. Dementia is an “umbrella term given to the symptoms caused by various diseases — most commonly Alzheimer’s”.   These numbers are expected rise to 152 million in 2050, according to Alzheimer’s researchers. Business Insider, Lindsay Dodgson, writes “Despite the massive impact dementia has on the economy and people’s livelihoods, there are still many misconceptions around it. There are also some facts that still surprise people.”.

Dodgson put together a list of Common Misconceptions:

1. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are not the same thing
2. People react differently to the words ‘dementia’ and ‘alzheimers’
3. Dementia isn’t an inevitable part of getting older
4. More people at 90 don’t have dementia than have it
5. Almost half of adults don’t realize it causes death
6. A brain that is affected by Alzheimer’s can weigh 140 grams less than an unaffected brain
7. There are more symptoms than memory loss
8. A third of risk factors are within our control
9. Heart health and brain health are intrinsically linked
10. Mid-life is the most important window for risk reduction
11. It doesn’t just affect old people
12. Sometimes, it only affects sight and perception
13. Aggression and confusion may come from these small perception errors
14. Disrupted sleep can be a factor
15. There is no cure or treatment for the progression of diseases that cause dementia

To better understand Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease read the entire article. Click Here https://www.businessinsider.com/alzheimers-and-dementia-misconceptions-and-surprising-facts-2018-10

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