Six common misconceptions about dementia are debunked.

Busting common myths related to dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that impair memory, thinking, and social abilities to the point where they interfere with daily life. It is not a disease; rather, it is a collection of symptoms caused by other conditions. Dementia refers to Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. The mental health condition that primarily affects people over the age of 65 is an age-related ailment, but it can also affect younger adults due to underlying health conditions. People have gained more knowledge about mental health conditions and how to manage them as a result of increased awareness in the recent past. Even so, it is impossible to deny that there are many misconceptions about mental health conditions. We have attempted to debunk some common dementia myths in order to help you manage the condition effectively.

Myth: Dementia is a normal part of aging

Dementia is more common in older adults, but this does not mean that everyone will develop the condition. Even young adults can develop dementia if they have certain underlying conditions such as head trauma, hormone disruption, and others. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9 percent of dementia cases exhibit symptoms before the age of 65.

Myth: Dementia is a hereditary condition

Dementia risk can be increased by a number of factors. Your genes do not predispose you to forgetfulness or memory loss. While there are a few, rare types of dementia that are strongly linked to your genes, the vast majority are not. That is, if your parents or any other relative have dementia, you are unlikely to develop the same condition. Dementia is associated with a number of risk factors, including smoking, physical inactivity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.

Myth: Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is the same

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are two terms that are frequently used interchangeably to describe conditions characterized by symptoms such as memory loss, lack of concentration, and forgetfulness. In reality, the two are diametrically opposed. Dementia is not a medical condition. It is defined as a group of symptoms that impair a person’s cognitive functioning. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is a disease and a common form of dementia.

​Myth: Dementia cannot be prevented

Dementia is a mental illness that cannot be reversed. The condition’s symptoms appear gradually and are only noticeable when it has progressed to a severe stage. Although the condition cannot be completely avoided, making lifestyle changes and adhering to a healthy routine can significantly reduce the risk or delay the onset of the condition.

Myth: There is no treatment available for dementia

Although the condition cannot be completely cured, proper treatment can help to manage it. The treatment options for dementia vary depending on the type of dementia. When underlying conditions such as thyroid disease or brain tumours are treated, symptoms of dementia disappear. In other cases, therapy assists in leading a normal life.