A new article describes common misconceptions about living with Alzheimer’s disease. FG Trade/Getty Images
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and the early symptoms associated with the condition can sometimes cause feelings of frustration, anger, or social withdrawal.
Stigma and misperceptions about Alzheimer’s disease can negatively impact social interaction between friends and family members and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Social support is vital for the well-being of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease at all stages, but care should be taken to avoid patronizing people with the condition. Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month observed during June aims to increase awareness about the condition. To mark this event, the Alzheimer’s Association published an article in which people with the condition describe the common misperceptions about it.
The Alzheimer’s Association will be observing Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month this month to increase awareness about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias.
To mark this event, the Alzheimer’s Association recently published an article describing some of the common misperceptions about the condition as described by individuals with early-stage AD. DementiaTrusted Source describes a group of symptoms characterized by memory loss, language problems, changes in mood, and deficits in thinking and reasoning that interfere with daily life activities. AD is the most common form of dementia, affecting over 6 million individuals in the United States.
AD is a progressive disease involving a steady worsening of dementia symptoms over time. Individuals with AD are often able to function independently in the early stages of the disease but have to increasingly rely on their caregivers for daily activities as the disease progresses. Individuals with a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease may have a difficult time coping with their diagnosis and need support. Although friends and family members often have the desire to be supportive, they may avoid interacting with the individual with AD due to the fear of negatively impacting their mood. Avoiding engagement with individuals with AD promotes a sense of isolation and stigma, and can harm their feeling of self-worth.
