Myth 1: Memory loss is a normal part of aging.
Reality: As people age, it's normal to have occasional memory problems, such as forgetting the name of someone you've recently met. However, Alzheimer's is more than occasional memory loss. It's a disease that causes brain cells to malfunction and ultimately die. When this happens, an individual may forget the name of a longtime friend or what roads to take to return to a home they've lived in for decades.
It can be difficult to tell normal memory problems from memory problems that should be a cause for concern. The Alzheimer's Association has developed information to help you tell the difference. Sometimes, cognitive problems could be caused from medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies or other conditions and can be reversed with treatment. If you or someone you know has memory problems or other problems with thinking and learning that concern you, talk to a doctor.
Learn more about the 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Myth 2: Alzheimer's and dementia are the same thing.
Reality: Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of symptoms associated with cognitive impairment. It refers to the decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily activities. These symptoms can affect memory, thinking, and behavior, including changes such as sleep disturbances, hallucinations, delusions or agitation.
Dementia itself is not a disease. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer's is a specific disease and the most common cause of dementia. The symptoms are caused by underlying biological changes in the brain that are linked to specific diseases.
Learn more about what dementia is.
Myth 3: Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal.
Reality: Ultimately, Alzheimer’s disease is fatal, although many people die of other conditions first. The disease destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person's identity, ability to connect with others, think, walk, eat and talk.
Currently, there are FDA-approved therapies that target the underlying biology of the disease to slow disease progression in individuals with early Alzheimer’s; however, these therapies are not a cure. The Alzheimer’s Association’s mission is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, and we will continue to work relentlessly towards finding a cure for all these diseases.
Learn more about the Stages of Alzheimer's.
Myth 4: Only older people can get Alzheimer's.
Reality: Alzheimer's can impact people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. This is called younger-onset Alzheimer's (also referred to as early onset) because it impacts individuals under the age of 65. It is estimated that there are nearly 7 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. This includes over 200,000 people younger than age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Learn more about yonger/early-onset of Alzheimer's.
Myth 5: Certain medications cause an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.
Reality: There is currently no strong evidence that any medications directly increase the risk of Alzheimer’s or other dementia. While some studies have hinted at a possible link between drugs like anticholinergics, statins, or sleep aids and cognitive issues, no large clinical trials have proven that these medications cause or worsen cognitive impairment or symptoms of dementia. More research is needed to understand any possible connection.
If you have concerns about your medications, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can help you explore options, including non-drug approaches, for managing your health.
Learn more about the causes and risk factors of Alzheimer's.
Myth 6: It is not possible to diagnose Alzheimer’s until autopsy.
Reality: There's no single test to determine if someone has Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In the past, diagnoses were based mainly on medical history and cognitive tests. However, doctors now use biomarkers (like brain imaging and fluid tests, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood) alongside cognitive and physical exams to detect the disease.
In this new era of Alzheimer’s treatment, early and accurate diagnosis is crucial. It allows for earlier treatment, more opportunities to join clinical trials, and gives individuals and families more time to plan for the future.
Learn more about how Alzheimer's is diagnosed.
Myth 7: Flu shots and other vaccines increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Reality: Every day, we are learning more and more about what may contribute to cognitive decline. Based on the data we have today, the Alzheimer’s Association believes vaccines are an important step in protecting the overall health and safety of individuals, including those with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia and their caregivers.
COVID-19, flu, shingles, and other vaccines reduce your risk of contracting one of these diseases. As of today, there have been no peer-reviewed and published studies linking these vaccines to the risk of dementia. However, like all vaccines and medications, side effects are possible, and before adopting any new treatments, it is important to consult your physician.
Learn more about the key factors that contribute to brain health.
Myth 8: Dementia can be prevented by a specific food or supplement.
Reality: Eating a healthy diet and adopting healthier lifestyle habits may contribute to reducing one’s risk for cognitive decline and dementia. However, there is not a single food, ingredient, or dietary supplement that — through rigorous scientific research — has been shown to prevent, treat, or cure Alzheimer’s or other dementia. In fact, it is unlikely that one food, ingredient, or supplement will have a significant beneficial effect against a disease as complex as Alzheimer’s. To learn more about adopting healthy lifestyle habits, refer to the 10 healthy habits for your brain.
It’s important that individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementia and their caregivers have conversations with their physicians about all medications, any dietary concerns, and dietary supplements they are taking. This enables the doctor to provide the best advice regarding nutrition, consider how dietary supplements may interact with one’s medications, and evaluate their potential to cause unintended side effects.
Learn more about how adopting a healthy diet can support brain health.
Myth 9: Getting diagnosed isn’t important because there are no treatments for Alzheimer’s.
Reality: Current medications do not cure Alzheimer’s, but two treatments — donanemab (Kisunla™) and lecanemab (Leqembi®) — are aimed at changing the underlying biology and, therefore, progression of the disease. These therapies demonstrate that removing beta-amyloid, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, from the brain reduces cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s. Other drugs may help lessen symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion, for a limited time. An early and accurate Alzheimer’s diagnosis provides you with a better chance of benefiting from both disease-modifying treatments and treatments targeting the symptoms of the disease. Beyond treatment options, there are other benefits to getting a diagnosis, including the opportunity to participate in clinical trials, cost savings and more time to plan for the future.
Learn more about treatment options for Alzheimer's.
Myth 10: Alzheimer’s disease is a form of diabetes.
Reality: Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes are different conditions with their own unique characteristics. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by abnormal protein buildup in the brain, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to impairments in insulin production or function. Although there are some overlaps, such as disruptions in cell metabolism (energy usage) and cell signaling, Alzheimer's is not diabetes and diabetes is not Alzheimer's. Understanding the overlap between the diseases will help researchers develop new treatments for Alzheimer’s, separate from diabetes interventions.
Learn more about the relationship between diabetes and Alzheimer's.
Myth 11: Memory problems are always a sign of dementia.
Reality: It is important to note that some individuals have dementia-like symptoms without the progressive brain changes of Alzheimer’s or other degenerative brain diseases. Causes of dementia-like symptoms include depression, untreated sleep apnea, delirium, side effects of medications, Lyme disease, thyroid problems, head injury, blood clots or tumors in the brain, certain vitamin deficiencies and excessive alcohol consumption. Unlike Alzheimer’s and other dementias, the dementia caused by these conditions often may be reversed with treatment.
Learn more about various causes of memory loss.