(LifeWire) - According to the Alzheimer's Association, about 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease today -- a figure that's expected to increase as the baby boom generation ages. The disorder causes neurons, or cells in the brain, to malfunction and die. The onset of Alzheimer's usually happens after the age of 60, but early-onset Alzheimer's can affect younger people. Though scientists have learned much about the illness in the last decade, many questions remain about the causes, stages, and treatment of Alzheimer's. It's not surprising, then, that patients' and caregivers' understanding of the disease is often off-target. Myths and half-truths only add to fear of the disease, which can prevent people from getting help that could improve their quality of life.
Here are five common myths about Alzheimer's -- busted.
Myth: If you're forgetful, you're getting Alzheimer's disease.
Reality: Memory loss is a key symptom of Alzheimer's, but forgetfulness doesn't mean you have the disease. Even if your forgetfulness is due to more than simple aging, there are still many causes for dementia that lead to a decrease in cognitive function; physicians will make an Alzheimer's diagnosis only after other conditions have been ruled out.
Myth: If you have a family member with Alzheimer's, you'll get it, too.
Reality: In rare cases, early-onset Alzheimer's is inherited through genes. This familial form of Alzheimer's causes just 7% of all Alzheimer's cases. Genetics plays a small role for those people who don't have this form of Alzheimer's but who do get the disease later in life. If you have a parent, brother or sister with the disease, you have a slightly higher risk of getting it.
Myth: Aluminum in products we use causes Alzheimer's.
Reality: Most of us use products every day that contain aluminum. Food prepared in aluminum pots and pans carries trace amounts of the metal. Many underarm antiperspirants also contain aluminum. There is no scientific evidence that aluminum exposure causes Alzheimer's. Although the disease's exact cause is unknown, most research suggests that several factors, such as age, genetic susceptibility and overall quality of health, ultimately contribute to whether or not someone develops the disease.
Myth: All old people have Alzheimer's disease.
Reality: Even though age is an important risk factor for Alzheimer's, most older people do not have the disease. It's important to note that normal aging doesn't necessarily include dementia or Alzheimer's. For more information, see Alzheimer's vs. Normal Age-Related Memory Loss.
Myth: Life with Alzheimer's disease isn't worth living.
Reality: There is no single course for Alzheimer's disease, which typically can be a part of a person's life for many years. Memory loss and communication problems can cause frustration and anger. With help, though, a person with Alzheimer's can have a meaningful and productive life. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, several medications have been approved for early- and middle-stage Alzheimer's, including Aricept (donepezil), Exelon (rivastigimine), Namenda (memantine), and Razadyne (galantamine; formerly Reminyl). A number of other medications can be used to control anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and agitation, any or all of which may accompany the disease.
Sources:
"Causes & Risk Factors." ALZ.org. 28 Feb. 2008. Alzheimer's Association. 27 May 2008. <http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_causes_risk_factors.asp
"2008 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures." ALZ.org. 18 Mar. 2008. Alzheimer's Association. 27 May 2008. http://www.alz.org/national/documents/report_alzfactsfigures2008.pdf
"Guidelines for the Evaluation of Dementia and Age-Related Cognitive Decline." APA.org. Feb 1998. American Psychological Association. 28 May 2008.
<http://www.apa.org/practice/dementia.html>
"Dementia: Hope Through Research." National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke." 10 Apr. 2008. National Institutes of Health. 28 May 2008. <http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/detail_dementia.htm#1032919213.>
"NINDS Alzheimer's Disease Information Page." National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 10 Apr. 2008. National Institutes of Health. 28 May 2008.
<http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/alzheimersdisease/alzheimersdisease.htm#Is_there_any_treatment.>