If you have wondered if you or a
family member is developing Alzheimer’s because of memory loss problems, you
may be interested to know that occasional memory problems are normal as
people age. Forgetting the
name of a person you recently met is most likely not a cause for concern as
Alzheimer’s is much more than just occasional memory loss. More telling is when a person forgets the
name of a lifelong friend or how to drive to a familiar location. Keep in mind that memory problems in the
elderly can also be a side effect of a medication, a vitamin deficiency or
other conditions and you should consult your health care provider if you are
concerned.
Another misconception about Alzheimer’s is that only older people get the disease. Unfortunately this is not true and we know
that people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s can get what is called younger-onset of
Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association
says that out of the more than 5 million people in the U.S. with the disease,
200,000 of those are under the age of 65.
During the 1960s and 70, many people
believed that exposure to aluminum through cooking pots, beverage cans, and antiperspirants
caused Alzheimer’s. Since then,
researchers have done many studies trying to link aluminum to the disease and
have found no evidence. Likewise
aspartame was linked to Alzheimer’s and again studies have showed no connection
to the artificial sweeter.
Back in the 1990s, there were rumors
circulating that silver dental fillings were causing Alzheimer’s. However, two highly respected studies, one in
1991 and the other in 2003, concluded that “current evidence shows no
connection between mercury-containing dental fillings and Alzheimer's or other
neurological diseases.” What researchers
do know is that growing older, family history and heredity are the biggest risk
factors for Alzheimer’s.
Please visit MorningStar
of Sparks’ website for information regarding our personalized
memory care. We devote 32 secure suites to
the care
of those with memory impairment caused by Alzheimer’s and
other forms of dementia. Our loving staff is trained to provide the utmost care
to residents.
The unique mission statement of MorningStar of
Sparks, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living
communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and
investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real
home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to schedule a
tour of our exceptional community.
Source:
alz.org/alzheimers_disease_myths_about_alzheimers.asp
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