Facts and Figures

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE : The Brain Killer

Myths and misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease

Did you know that Alzheimer’s disease can affect even the rich and famous?

Former President of USA, Mr Ronald Reagan, has Alzheimer’s disease.

Many myths and misconceptions prevail about Alzheimer’s disease. It is not only the common man but some physicians too who lack a proper understanding of this disease.

A minor decline in intellectual capability with advancing years occurs in most people. However, even when this progresses to the point of severe intellectual loss, clearly indicating a disease process, the family continues to accept it as a part of the ageing process and does not take their loved one to a doctor. There is a sense of fatalism and acceptance of ill-health in old age in the communities of South-East Asia. This is detrimental to the patients, as it deprives them of medical care, as well as to the family, as it suffers the consequences of a member’s disease.

Myth:

This is senility, you can’t reverse old age, so why go to a doctor?

Fact:

Alzheimer’s disease is NOT "normal old age". Every elderly individual does not have this disease. Thus, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms which could suggest this disease and consult a qualified medical practitioner to assess your loved one.

Myth:

This is madness!

Fact:

Although, some Alzheimer’s disease patients have behavioural symptoms, these are an integral part of the disease process. Under no circumstances should this be considered to be ‘madness’. The patients are unable to control their behaviour and therefore, appropriate treatment is necessary. Although psychiatrists do treat Alzheimer’s disease, every patient treated by them is not ‘mad’.

Myth:

He is behaving like a child. I will teach him sense.

Fact:

Old age has been referred to in fiction as a "second childhood". There may be some elements of childish behaviour in such patients but this is a superficial similarity. Family members and care-givers in their desire to be helpful, unknowingly try to "teach the patient to behave". There are horror stories of patients being beaten and scolded as children are. Family members must realize that if the patients were capable of controlling their behaviour, they would have done so in the first place. Also, care-givers must realize that the ability to ‘learn’ new things is lost in patients. Thus, you cannot "teach him sense"; but appropriate treatment can help.

Myth:

What do you expect in old age? Such behaviour has to be tolerated.

Fact:

In general, society in South-East Asia respects the elderly and minor deviations in behaviour are tolerated. There is no cause for worry as long as it remains a ‘minor’ deviation from the normal. However, waiting for a crisis situation or for the disease to advance is undesirable. Both extremes should be avoided, i.e. perpetually worrying about every minor deviation in behaviour, or not to worry at all about major deviations in behaviour. A judicious middle path of concern for elderly family members is most desirable.

Myth:

He is possessed by evil spirits. I will take him to a sorcerer and get his evil spirit exorcised.

Fact:

Alzheimer’s disease certainly does not indicate possession by evil spirits nor is it penance for sins committed in previous lives. It is a well-defined medical illness. Treatment should be received from a qualified medical practitioner and not from faith healers or sorcerers.

Myth:

He has no memory problem, he can remember all about his childhood.

Fact:

In Alzheimer’s disease, memory for old events is preserved till the advanced stages of the disease. In the early stages, the ability to learn new things is impaired. Since the common man assumes that memory for old events is more important, some patients are not brought to the doctor in the early stages of the disease.

Even if a patient with changes in intellectual capability is taken to a doctor, general physicians with limited experience in treating Alzheimer’s disease will rarely make a specific diagnosis of this disease. Although awareness is increasing, many misconceptions prevail among medical practitioners.

Doctor:

How can I make a diagnosis if the patient cannot tell me what is wrong with him?

Explanation:

Although the patient cannot give a detailed history, family members certainly can, provided the physician asks appropriate questions of them. Even children cannot give a detailed history, yet paediatricians are able to make accurate diagnoses. A detailed history from family members plays a major role in reaching a diagnosis of impairment in intellectual function, the cause of which could be Alzheimer’s disease.

Doctor:

Why make an untreatable diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s disease?

Explanation:

Although there is no cure as yet for Alzheimer’s disease, a lot can be done to make the patient and the family more comfortable. A physician’s role is critical: making an accurate diagnosis, carefully following up the patient for other medical illnesses, treating distressing behaviour and counselling the family, who often suffers more than the patient.

Doctor:

I have many urgent cases waiting for me and Alzheimer’s disease cases take up too much of my time.

Explanation:

Management of patients of Alzheimer’s disease and support to the family does take time. Not all medicine is based in intensive care units. A doctor has to give sufficient time to patients of Alzheimer’s disease in order to reach a diagnosis, prescribe the appropriate treatment and counsel the family. A team approach involving the support of paramedical staff is very useful.