Alzheimer's Disease Myths

Alzheimer's disease has been around for quite some time, and it is only until recent years that experts have come up with the real truths. Still perceived by many, memory loss was considered a general aging problem that most people go face. However, a severe loss and eroding of the brain cells cause a fatal situation in case of Alzheimer's disease. Although not treatable, Alzheimer's disease may be prevented (discussed in the next section).

Here are some myths and misconceptions about Alzheimer's disease that one may have -

- Alzheimer's is not fatal - The reality is that Alzheimer's disease has no survivors. The disease is contracted usually by the elderly and has similarities with brain problems pertaining to old age. However, the scientific basis for this concept is still a research challenge. In reality, Alzheimer's once contracted painfully erodes brain cells taking away one's ability to think, operate or relate to things that have been familiar over a lifetime. The erosion takes place over a gradual progression of the disease and is not retractable.

- Alzheimer's is contracted only by the elderly - It is not 100 percent true. There have been instances of people in their 30's, 40's and 50's contracting Alzheimer's. Amongst the 5.3 million people with Alzheimer's in the US, it has been recorded that about 200,000 are below the age of 65. Although not frequent, younger people can contract Alzheimer's.

- Aluminum kitchenware causes Alzheimer's - In the 1960's and 70's it was believed that using Aluminum vessels for cooking, drinking or taking food can cause a gradual growth of the Alzheimer syndrome. This was however merely a suspicion which has been refuted by latest research results. Experts today have failed to conclude Aluminum as an Alzheimer causing metal and focus their research concentrating more on other areas. The reality is that Aluminum is not a cause for Alzheimer.

- Artificial sweeteners cause Alzheimer's disease - In 1996 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), USA allowed the use of artificial sweeteners like Nutrasweet and Equal for usage in all beverages by the common citizen. Although there is a belief that Alzheimer's may be caused by the usage of these sweeteners, scientific studies that included 100 laboratory instances leave no hitch as per the safety of its usage.

- Silver dental fillings may cause Alzheimer's - The misconception is refuted by studies from highly respectable institutes that silver fillings have no connection with the contraction of Alzheimer's disease. The silver filling has a mixture of mercury in the amalgam. The FDA concluded that no danger exists owing to the amalgam in 1991. So did the National Institutes of Health at the Institute of Kentucky where there was revelation of the kind.

Some of the myths regarding Alzheimer's may also include misconceptions about it being contagious, or severely prone to genetic transfer from parents to children. However, it is only in 7 percent of Alzheimer cases that it has been seen to occur as a genetic function.