September is World Alzheimer’s Month. We thought we would put together some information about Alzheimer’s to share throughout this month. In this post, we look at some preconceptions of Alzheimer’s, and whether they’re fact or fiction.

Number 1 – ‘Alzheimer’s is just memory loss’

Our verdict: fiction

Memory issues are perhaps the most infamous characteristic of Alzheimer’s. Short-term memory issues can be one of the first signs, but Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect our memory. It can also affect our ability to think critically, solve problems, make plans, our mood, and how we go about our daily lives.

It’s really important to note that every person is different. Whilst some signs and symptoms are more common than others, they’re not definitive. Some people may not experience one or more of these symptoms, but may experience different symptoms instead. Some people may experience these symptoms, but not have Alzheimer’s disease.

Number 2 – ‘Alzheimer’s doesn’t only affect older people’

Our verdict: fact

Getting older doesn’t mean we are guaranteed to experience Alzheimer’s, or any other dementia. Although they’re less likely to, younger people can also get Alzheimer’s disease. The first person to ever be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s (known as ‘presenile dementia’ at the time) was Auguste Deter – who died in 1906 at the age of 55 years old. And there have even been cases of Alzheimer’s in children.

Number 3 – People with Alzheimer’s disease can’t make decisions for themselves

Our verdict: fiction

The ability to make decisions is also known as ‘mental capacity’, and is protected by legislation such as the Mental Capacity Act 2005. You are deemed to have mental capacity if you can:

• Understand information being given to you
• Retain that information
• Weigh up your choices
• Communicate your decision by any means

Whilst Alzheimer’s might make it difficult for us to do one or more of these things as the disease progresses, a diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean we can’t make any decisions for ourselves. We might have the mental capacity to make some decisions, but not others. Our capacity can fluctuate, and can be affected by our environment, medication, head injury, stress levels, or many other factors.

And most importantly, not having mental capacity to make a decision does not mean we cannot be included in the decision-making process. In fact, we must always be supported to be as involved as we can be, in any decision made on our behalf.

Number 4 – It is possible to live well with Alzheimer’s

Our verdict: Fact

It is absolutely possible to live well with Alzheimer’s disease. That doesn’t mean that it won’t be hard, and there may well be times when you feel emotional about your diagnosis and experience. But with the right support in place, it is absolutely possible to live well with Alzheimer’s and/or any other dementia. At Teign Angels, we have a lot of experience in supporting people to live well with Alzheimer’s, even in the later and final stages of the disease’s progression. We work with people, those important to them, and other professionals to understand how they can be best supported. Get in touch with us if you want to explore how we can help you or someone you know to live well with Alzheimer’s disease.