Common Myths and Facts About Dementia Debunked by a Neurosurgeon

Common Myths and Facts About Dementia

Dementia is a set of various symptoms that results from brain disorders. Over time, it affects memory, thinking, language, and behavior. In fact, memory and the ability to do everyday things are also compromised. However, wrong knowledge can hinder the process of diagnosis and keep the families from getting timely care. Let’s look at popular myths vs. medical truth.

Myth 1: Dementia Is Simply Something That Comes with Old Age

Fact:

Although it may happen when one gets older they occasionally forgets something like keys or names, dementia is a different thing altogether.

Dementia patients go through changes which gradually disrupt their daily functioning. They may be completely unable to find the way to the supermarket although it is next door or not recognizing a beloved one.

Constant memory issues which make one feel incapable of doing a thing should be checked by a neurologist as there may be a real disease behind them and one may not just label it as a result of “ageing.”

Myth 2: Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Are Similar

Fact:

Mostly both these words are used interchangeably; however, neurosurgery and clinical medicine see a very substantial difference between these diseases. Dementia is referred to a range of mental deterioration symptoms. On the contrary, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.

Vascular Dementia (a result of lack of sufficient blood supply to the brain), Lewy Body Dementia, and Frontotemporal Dementia are amongst others types of dementia. Each of these have different triggers, involve a different part of the brain, and the treatment methods also differ.

Myth 3: Nothing Can Be Done After a Dementia Diagnosis

Fact: 

While it is true that many forms of neurodegenerative dementia are currently irreversible, the statement that “nothing can be done” is dangerously false. There are two critical reasons for this, one is if it is treatable “pseudo-dementias” and the other is how well the symptoms are managed. 

For instance, severe B12 deficiency. The same is with hypothyroidism or NPH (Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus) and specific types of brain tumors which can manifest as cognitive declines. If an NPH case is recognized then a brain surgeon is able even to make a shunt operation to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. Most often after this brain surgery there is an improvement in cognitive functions and mobility as well.

Proper evaluation can identify these reversible causes and allow appropriate treatment.

Myth 4: Dementia Only Affects Memory

Fact:

Dementia is thought to be the problem that only old person has it where they can’t remember their grandchild’s or spouse’s name. But memory loss is just a little part of what happens in people with dementia. A bigger picture of dementia is when the “executive brain function” goes off, which was handled by the frontal lobe. 

Many people with dementia exhibit the following problems: 

• Personality Changes: If someone was always a peaceful person, he could start doing things differently.
• Disorientation: Forgetting the time, date, and even where one is.
• Language Problems (Aphasia): Either struggling to find the correct words or not able to talk or write.
• Loss of Judgement: Not recognizing things or understanding situations.

Getting to see that the way of behaving differently is a symptom of brain disease rather than some sort of “bad behaviour,” helps caregivers treat the person with more kindness and understanding.

Myth 5: Only Elderly People Develop Dementia

Fact:

In the general population dementia is more frequently diagnosed in old age after 65, but the condition is not exclusive to that age group, as people of all age groups may experience dementia, especially early-onset dementia.

Young-onset dementia may result from:

• Genetic disorders
• Brain injuries
• Neurological diseases
• Certain inherited conditions

The problem arises when people dismiss the symptoms because they think the person is too young, resulting in a delay in the doctor’s visit and the start of treatment.  

Myth 6: Memory Loss Always Means Dementia

Fact:

Forgetfulness doesn’t necessarily signify dementia.

Memory issues could be due to:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bad sleep
• Pills
• Vitamin deficiencies

A proper neurological assessment allows experts to find out if memory loss is natural and age related, temporary, or dementia induced.

Final Thoughts

Dementia not only impacts the patient but also their family members. However, it is important to know that knowing facts about dementia and the illness can make a huge difference. Unfortunately, many myths about this condition prevent people from being diagnosed early, and they get scared, leading to delay for getting the treatment.

Being aware of the symptoms of illness, and visiting the best neurosurgeon in Hisar for confirmation early are the ways to slow down the loss of independence and even enhance the overall quality of life.

Sarvesh Health City provides complete neurological care through modern diagnostic tools and expert neurosurgery consultancy. The hospital additionally offers emotional support to people with dementia through proper counseling and early intervention.