Myth 1: Memory loss is a natural part of aging.
Reality: In the past people believed memory loss was a normal
part of aging, often regarding even Alzheimer’s as natural age-related
decline. Experts now recognize severe memory loss as a symptom of
serious illness.
Whether memory naturally declines to some extent remains an open
question. Many people feel that their memory becomes less sharp as they
grow older, but determining whether there is any scientific basis for
this belief is a research challenge still being addressed.
Myth 2: Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal.
Reality: Alzheimer's disease will kill you. It destroys brain
cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body
functions. It slowly and painfully takes away your identity, ability to
connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk and find your way home.
Myth 3: Only older people can get Alzheimer's
Reality: Alzheimer's
can strike people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Of the estimated 5 million
Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, some 500,000 people under
age 65 have Alzheimer's or a related dementia.
Myth 4: Drinking out of aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Reality: During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum emerged as a
possible suspect in Alzheimer’s. This suspicion led to concern about
exposure to aluminum through everyday sources such as pots and pans,
beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have
failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer’s. Experts
today focus on other areas of research, and few believe that everyday
sources of aluminum pose any threat.
Myth 5: Aspartame causes memory loss.
Reality: This artificial sweetener, marketed under such brand
names as Nutrasweet and Equal, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for use in all foods and beverages in 1996. Since
approval, concerns about aspartame's health effects have been raised.
According to the FDA, as of May 2006, the agency had not been
presented with any scientific evidence that would lead to change its
conclusions on the safety of aspartame for most people. The agency says
its conclusions are based on more than 100 laboratory and clinical
studies. Read the May 2006 FDA statement about aspartame.
Myth 6: Flu shots increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Reality: A theory linking flu shots to a greatly increased
risk of Alzheimer’s disease has been proposed by a U.S. doctor whose
license was suspended by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners.
Several mainstream studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a
reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and overall better health.
Myth 7: Silver dental fillings increase risk of Alzheimer's disease
Reality: According
to the best available scientific evidence, there is no relationship
between silver dental fillings and Alzheimer's. The concern that there
could be a link arose because "silver" fillings are made of an amalgam
(mixture) that typically contains about 50 percent mercury, 35 percent
silver and 15 percent tin. Mercury is a heavy metal that, in certain
forms, is know to be toxic to the brain and other organs.
Many scientists consider the studies below compelling evidence
that dental amalgam is not a major risk factor for Alzheimer's. Public
health agencies, including the FDA, the U.S. Public Health Service and
the World Health Organization, endorse the continued use of amalgam as
safe, strong, inexpensive material for dental restorations.
Myth 8: There are treatments available to stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease
Reality: At
this time, there is no treatment to cure, delay or stop the progression
of Alzheimer's disease. FDA-approved drugs temporarily slow worsening
of symptoms for about 6 to 12 months, on average, for about half of the
individuals who take them.