Questioning Myths

By: Michelle Remold

Recently I wrote about how it is important to really look into new research that is published when it comes to Alzheimer’s and dementia before completely believing it. While this is important, it is also important to look at the already established myths about Alzheimer’s and dementia. A few that stood out to me were the common “memory loss is a part of normal aging,” and “there are treatment options available to stop the progression on the disease.” While there are bits of truth to these myths, they really are not accurate.

When it comes to memory loss, it isn’t a normal part of aging. Some memory loss is normal such as forgetting names or misplacing keys, this happens to me on a daily basis. However, Alzheimer’s and dementia are not normal aspects of aging. I think that when people believe that all memory loss is a normal part of growing older, it prohibits them from receiving a correct diagnosis earlier in the disease.

The other myth that is a little more difficult to swallow is that there is a way to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia. While there are medications out there that may help to slow the progression of the disease, there currently is not a medication or treatment option that will completely stop the progression of the disease.

I think that with all the treatments that are available for countless other diseases and all the information that floats around, especially on the internet, it is important to know when to take a step back and realize that looking a little more into a claim or a perceived myth is okay. It’s good to learn what you can about Alzheimer’s and dementia and to ask questions as they arise. After all, you never know unless you ask questions.

Michelle graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with her Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology: Social Sciences and a minor in Family Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Aging Studies and Nursing Home Administration from Minnesota State University Mankato.