Alzheimer’s disease affects 7.2 million Americans over 65, yet myths and misunderstandings about it remain widespread. These misconceptions can delay diagnosis, cause unnecessary fear, or prevent families from seeking help early.
At Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, we believe that accurate information empowers patients and caregivers to make confident, informed decisions. Here, our board-certified, fellowship-trained neurologist, Dr. Wogensen, sets the record straight by busting five common myths about Alzheimer’s disease.
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not identical. Dementia is a general term describing symptoms like memory loss, confusion, and personality changes caused by various conditions.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of cases. Other causes include:
Each type has unique characteristics, and accurate diagnosis matters because treatment approaches can differ.
We use advanced imaging and laboratory testing to determine which type of dementia a patient may have. Identifying the cause allows us to create a more effective and personalized treatment strategy.
It’s true that with aging, occasional memory issues like misplacing your glasses or forgetting where you parked are more common. But Alzheimer’s isn’t just getting older. It’s a progressive brain disease that damages nerve cells, interfering with memory, reasoning, and daily function.
In Alzheimer’s, the brain undergoes physical changes, including abnormal protein build-up, nerve cell death, and brain shrinkage, that go far beyond normal aging.
If memory problems start disrupting daily life, it’s essential to undergo an evaluation early. We use neurological exams, imaging, and cognitive testing to help distinguish normal aging from dementia.
While most Alzheimer’s cases occur after 65, early-onset Alzheimer’s can appear in your 40s. This form is less common, but globally, the number of people affected between the ages of 40 and 64 has more than doubled since 1990.
This form of Alzheimer’s disease is often more challenging to diagnose because symptoms are likely to be attributed to stress, depression, or burnout. Recognizing issues such as trouble managing finances, difficulty with language, or confusion in familiar places can make a significant difference.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s may have a stronger genetic component. If several family members developed Alzheimer’s before 65, we might recommend genetic counseling or testing. With a prompt diagnosis, families can plan for care, explore treatment options, and maintain quality of life longer.
While there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. Modern treatment focuses on slowing progression, managing symptoms, and improving daily function.
Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine can support communication between brain cells, helping maintain memory and thinking skills. Newer therapies target the underlying amyloid proteins that damage neurons, offering hope for modifying disease progression.
Beyond medication, lifestyle plays a key role. Regular physical activity, mental stimulation, social engagement, and a balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND), can help protect brain health.
Dr. Wogensen works with patients and families to design individualized care plans that combine medication, cognitive exercises, and supportive therapies.
Genetics can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s, but they don’t seal your fate. The APOE-e4 gene is the most well-known genetic risk factor, and while it raises the likelihood of developing the disease, it doesn’t make it inevitable.
In fact, most cases of Alzheimer’s result from a mix of genetics, age, and lifestyle factors. You can reduce your risk by staying mentally and physically active, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, getting enough sleep, and maintaining social connections.
We help patients understand their genetic and lifestyle risks and provide guidance on preventive strategies to support long-term brain health.
Alzheimer’s can be a frightening diagnosis, but separating fact from fiction can ease anxiety and inspire proactive care. Thanks to growing awareness, research advances, and early detection tools, patients today have more options and support than ever before.
If you notice changes in memory, language, or problem-solving — whether in yourself or a loved one — it’s vital not to ignore them. A neurological evaluation can clarify what’s happening and open the door to treatments that make a real difference.
Contact Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, by phone or online to learn more about protecting your brain health at every stage of life. We combine clinical expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care to help individuals and families navigate Alzheimer’s disease with understanding and hope.
