10 dementia myths
In this article we will describe 10 dementia myths.
1. Myth: Dementia only affects older people.
Fact. It is true that dementia is common in older people, mainly over 65 years. But dementia can affect a person, at any age. It affects 10% of the population at 80 years, and 20% at 90 years. This equates to over 1 million people in the UK.
Nonetheless it is important to note that dementia is not just a natural part of aging. It has causes, and treatments that work (to an extent).
2. Myth: Dementia always starts with memory loss.
Fact. It is true that one of the main symptoms is memory loss. But confusion, and problems with speech and understanding, also occur – and could the first sign. Treatment may slow the progression down.
3. Myth: Dementia and ‘Alzheimer’s’ are the same thing.
Fact. ‘Alzheimer’s’ Disease is the commonest cause of dementia, which is really a group of diseases. It is the cause in 60-70% of patients. It is caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein called beta-amyloid in the brain.
But there is another quite common type called ‘Vascular dementia’, affecting 15-20% of patients. This is caused by problems in the supply of blood to the brain, commonly due to strokes, or ‘mini-strokes’ called transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs).
Other more unusual types include: Frontotemporal dementia, Mixed dementia, Lewy body dementia and Alcohol-related brain damage.
4. Myth: If an older person has memory loss, they have dementia. So no tests are required.
Fact. It is important that a clear diagnosis is made, and the problems are not just linked to ageing. Dementia is not a ‘natural part’ of ageing. Patients need a battery of blood tests, a chest x-ray – and a CT scan of the head is essential.
On the other hand, if you are experiencing mild memory loss, it does not necessarily mean you have dementia. All people naturally forget things from time to time, and simple memory loss does relate to age. But if your memory loss is intense enough that it’s affecting your day-to-day life, see your doctor.
5. Myth. There is no effective treatment for dementia.
Fact. Dementia is not curable but there are treatments that have some effect. These include: (1) Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (this is often shortened to ‘cholinesterase inhibitors’; e.g. donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine); (2) NMDA receptor antagonists (e.g. memantine).
Other types of dementia have specific treatments. For example, if you have vascular dementia, it’s important your doctor stops the TIAs (mini-strokes) causing it.
6. Myth: There is nothing I can do to help myself.
Fact. There are lots of things you can do:
• Lifestyle changes. It is good idea not to smoke, keep trim, exercise and keep your alcohol consumption down.
• Take your tablets carefully. Patients with dementia are often on a lot of medication. A dosette box is useful to make it easier to take the tablets at the correct time. Ask your pharmacist.
7. Myth: If you have dementia, that’s the only brain problem you will have.
Fact. Not true. Other mental problems are common. This is partly as they are common; and partly as there is a lot of overlap between dementia, depression and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This is because the symptoms can be similar. For example, PD can affect your memory (like dementia).
And both dementia and PD can make you fed up and depressed. So it is important that your GP and specialist focuses on (and treats) all three if you have them. Ask them.
8. Myth: Your GP is the only person who can investigate and look after you.
Fact. It is true that for many patients can be looked after by a NHS GP alone. But if things are not settling, or the diagnosis is unclear, you should be referred to a hospital consultant. They normally work in a Memory Clinic at your local hospital. You should see them or a senior deputy called a registrar.
9. Myth: Dementia is never fatal.
Fact. Unfortunately, dementia can be fatal. In upto 15% of patients, dementia is the cause of death. This means for 85%, there is some other cause, i.e. you can live with dementia.
10. Myth: If I’m diagnosed with dementia, it means my life is over.
Fact. Many people diagnosed with dementia have meaningful, active lives for a number of years. They have a sense of purpose and do not feel their lives are over.
Summary
In this article we have described 10 dementia myths. We hope it has been helpful.
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