11 Common Misconceptions

No, Alzheimer’s disease is not contagious and there is no evidence suggesting that this neurodegenerative disease can be transmitted from person to person through contact, bodily fluids, sharing objects, or other means.

While it’s normal to experience occasional memory problems as you age, Alzheimer’s disease and its severe memory loss is something that is not a natural part of aging.  It can be difficult to discern whether memory loss should be something of concern.  Please consult a doctor if you are worried about memory problems.

No, while Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia, they are not the same thing.  Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a decline in mental ability that greatly impacts one’s daily life.

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the leading causes of death among older people worldwide.  While Alzheimer’s does not directly cause death, its progressive nature damages brain tissue, resulting in a decline in cognitive and physical functions.  This ultimately causes complications that can be fatal.

No, there have been multiple Alzheimer’s cases of people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.  This early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is rare, and the only known risk factor is family history of the disease.

In reality, there is no single test to see if someone has Alzheimer’s disease.  Doctors have used medical history, cognitive tests, biomarkers, MRI scans, and physical exams to diagnose someone with Alzheimer’s disease.

There is no strong evidence that dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented with a specific food, vitamin, or supplement.  However, having healthier lifestyle habits such as a healthy diet may contribute to a reduced risk for developing dementia.

While there are no cures for Alzheimer’s disease, there are currently two monoclonal antibody treatments for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease aimed to target amyloid plaques—which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease—in the brain.  These two treatments are called lecanemab and donanemab.

There are many things that may cause memory problems or dementia-like symptoms.  Some causes include lyme disease, depression, medication side-effects, excessive alcohol consumption, head injuries, and more.  As such, memory problems are not always a sign of dementia, but if worried, one should always consult with a medical professional.

While Alzheimer’s disease impairs cognitive abilities, many individuals with Alzheimer’s, particularly in the early stages, retain the ability to understand their surroundings and communicate. Their ability to understand may diminish, but you can not assume they are completely unaware.

While a healthy lifestyle can reduce one’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, it is vital to understand that there is no complete prevention against Alzheimer’s disease.