Dementia Myths Uncovered

True or False: All elderly people will develop dementia.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

While dementia mainly affects older people, not all people will get it as they age.

Things that increase the risk of developing dementia include age (more common in those >65 years old), high blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and depression.

(source: World Health Organisation)

True or False: Dementia is a normal part of aging.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

As people get older, they are likely to notice some changes in their mental abilities, such as being more forgetful. Though these changes can be frustrating, they are a natural part of ageing.

Dementia is not a normal part of getting older.

When a person has dementia, this worsening in mental abilities is much more serious. For example, not remembering what they have just done or said, having impaired judgement, difficulties making conversation, or even attending to daily tasks at home. These symptoms significantly affect their daily life.

True or False: Alzheimer's disease is the only type of dementia.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

While Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, it is NOT the only type of dementia.

True or False: Memory loss is the only symptom of dementia.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

While memory loss is the most prominent symptom of dementia, it is not the only symptom. Dementia is characterised by a deterioration in a series of cognitive functions (i.e. the ability to process thoughts) beyond what might be expected from the usual consequences of normal ageing.

True or False: Caregivers of dementia patients should bear the caregiving responsibility alone, as it is their job to take care of a family member with dementia.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Caregiving for a person with dementia can be challenging. As dementia deteriorates over time, the caregiving demands will increase as well. It is important to provide as much care, assistance and support to the caregivers as we can, as caregivers also need to take time off for themselves to prevent caregiver burnout.

True or False: Engaging in brain exercises (e.g. playing Tetris, sudoku, chess) can reduce the risk of getting dementia.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Participating in mentally challenging leisure activities, such as reading, playing puzzles and playing board games may help elderly people stay mentally sharp. Learning new skills can also help reduce the risk of dementia. In fact, research has found that people aged 75 years or more who engaged in leisure activities that are cognitively stimulating had a lower risk of dementia than other elderly people.

True or False: People with dementia cannot live independently at all.

• False

• True

Answer explanation

In the early stages of dementia, many people continue to live independently and have a fulfilling life. With the right support, even those in the later stages of dementia can enjoy a good quality of life.

True or False: A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of dementia.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Studies show that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline and dementia by eating a healthy diet, and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Some research has found a relationship between consuming the Mediterranean diet with reduced risk of dementia at old age. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish and other seafood, unsaturated fats such as olive oils, and low amounts of red meat, eggs, and sweets.