That's why the non-profit Alzheimer Research Initiative eV (AFI) corrects seven misconceptions that are circulating about Alzheimer's disease.
Misconception 1: Alzheimer's is contagious.
There is no scientific evidence that Alzheimer's disease is contagious in humans. In animal experiments it is possible to transmit Alzheimer's disease under laboratory conditions. However, these results are not applicable to real human conditions.
Misconception 2: Alzheimer's and dementia are the same thing.
The term “dementia” encompasses more than 50 diseases that affect the function of the brain. Alzheimer's disease is the most common and best-known form of dementia, affecting around two thirds of all sufferers. Dementia is therefore a generic term and should not be equated with Alzheimer's disease. Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia or Parkinson .
Misconception 3: Aluminum causes Alzheimer's.
An increased aluminum concentration was found in brain autopsies of deceased Alzheimer's patients. However, researchers assume that it is a side effect and not the cause of the disease. A causal connection between increased aluminum intake and the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease has not yet been scientifically proven. Studies on the development and spread of Alzheimer's disease also show no evidence of a connection between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease.
Misconception 4: Alzheimer's is not a disease, but a normal phenomenon of aging.
This claim is made again and again in popular scientific debates. However, it is now possible to make the protein deposits made of beta-amyloid and tau, which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, visible using imaging techniques. An organically healthy brain can remain very efficient well into old age, even if it generally slows down. Alzheimer's, on the other hand, is a disease that needs to be diagnosed, treated and further researched.
Misconception 5: Alzheimer's patients die because they forget to breathe.
People with Alzheimer's don't forget to breathe. They do not die directly from Alzheimer's disease, but rather from comorbidities. In the final stages of the disease , patients become increasingly physically ill and ultimately require around-the-clock care. Because the immune system is significantly weakened, the susceptibility to infectious diseases increases. Many people with Alzheimer's die from respiratory infections.
Misconception 6: There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease yet, so there is nothing you can do.
It is true that Alzheimer's is not yet curable. However, Alzheimer's can still be treated. Alzheimer's medication can be used to slow down the progression of the disease and accompanying symptoms such as depression or aggression can also be treated with medication. Non-drug therapies, such as mental, physical and emotional mobilization, can maintain patients' independence for longer and promote well-being.
Misconception 7: My mother or father had Alzheimer's, so I will also get Alzheimer's.
The illness of a parent does not necessarily mean that the illness will be passed on to the children. Only around one percent of all Alzheimer's diseases are clearly hereditary. Those affected usually become ill very early, between the ages of 30 and 65. Age is the biggest risk factor . The symptoms usually only begin after the age of 65. Here too, there are genetic variants that can increase the risk of the disease. However, they do not lead to a certain outbreak of the disease.
Information about Alzheimer's disease
Our brochure “What is Alzheimer’s?” provides a compact overview of Alzheimer’s disease. “What is Alzheimer’s?” can be ordered free of charge from the Alzheimer Research Initiative eV, Kreuzstr. 34, 40210 Düsseldorf; Telephone number 0211 – 86 20 66 0; Website: www.alzheimer-forschung.de/was-ist-alzheimer
About the Alzheimer Research Initiative eV
The Alzheimer Research Initiative eV (AFI) is a non-profit organization that carries the donation certificate from the German Donations Council eV. Since 1995, the AFI has used donations to support research projects by committed Alzheimer's researchers and provides free information material for the public. To date, the AFI has been able to support 360 research activities with 14.5 million euros and distribute over 925,000 guides and brochures. Those interested and affected can obtain detailed information about Alzheimer's disease and request educational material at www.alzheimer-forschung.de. The website also contains information about the association's work and all donation options. The AFI's ambassador is the journalist and sports presenter Okka Gundel.
Source:
Press release
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