There are many myths about older adults and brain age, leaving many people worried and fearful about growing old. It’s no doubt that many changes happen to our bodies as we age. However, you don’t have to believe everything you hear or read about aging.
What are some common misconceptions about our brains as we grow older?
You’ve probably heard that seniors tend to lose their memory as they age, but that’s not true for all older adults. So, you don’t have to worry about losing your mental ability as you grow older. Instead, embrace aging with much positivity.
These are some common myths about aging, but we’re here to debunk them. #memorycare #dementia #alzheimers Share on X- “If someone in my family has Alzheimer’s, so will I.”
- “Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same.”
- “Mental deterioration is inevitable as we age.”
- “There’s no way to slow down Alzheimer’s.”
- “Memory problems are irreversible.”
1) “If someone in my family has Alzheimer’s, so will I.”
While certain genetic factors can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, the condition often results from a combination of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. The truth is that you can manipulate your lifestyle to mitigate the risk factors.
2) “Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same.”
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are common conditions in older adults, but they are not the same. Dementia is the decline in memory, emotions, and various thinking skills. On the other hand, Alzheimer’s disease is the primary cause of dementia.
3) “Mental deterioration is inevitable as we age.”
It is common for older adults to lose their cognitive abilities as they age, but that doesn’t mean our mental ability will deteriorate. Studies show that older brains can still grow neurons, allowing most seniors to retain their mental faculties enjoy life until the end.
4) “There’s no way to slow down Alzheimer’s.”
Many lifestyle factors that prevent dementia can also slow down the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. For instance, you can get plenty of exercises, eat brain-healthy meals, avoid stress, and participate in mind-stimulating activities. Also, managing health conditions like high blood pressure can lower the risks of Alzheimer’s disease.
5) “Memory problems are irreversible.”
The truth is that lifestyle recommendations like doing a lot of exercises and eating a brain-healthy diet can mitigate the risks of developing memory problems. Also, you need to rule out the temporary memory problems resulting from the side effects of medication, vitamin deficiencies, and infections.
Get to Know the Facts on Your Brain As You Age
Now that you know the facts on the brain as people age, you don’t have to believe the myths about older adults. Although the cognitive decline is part of the aging process, not every older adult will experience reduced mental ability when they age. If your elderly loved one is experiencing memory problems that affect their daily life, it might be worth considering memory care services.
Connect with us to learn more facts about the aging process.
