World Alzheimer's Day 2024: Busting common myths on World Alzheimer's disease Ft. Dr Brij Lal Choudhary

World Alzheimer's Day, takes place every 21st September. It is a global effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around Alzheimer's disease and other dementia.

On this World Alzheimers Day, we have Dr. Brij Lal Choudhary, Consultant Neurologist from Manipal Hospital, Jaipur.

Dr. Brij Lal Choudhary is one of the best neurologists practicing in Jaipur. He completed his MBBS from S.P. Medical College, Bikaner and MD in Medicine from J.L.N. Medical College, Ajmer. He earned his DM in Neurology from ABVIMS & Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi in 2021.

With over 6 years of experience in neurology, Dr. Choudhary has also authored multiple research papers.

His specializations include Stroke, Migraine, Parkinson’s Disease, Tremors, Dystonia, Epilepsy, Seizures and Other Movement Disorders Dr Choudhary speaks to Medical Dialogues team busting some myths-

Myth 1: Memory loss is the only symptom of Alzheimer's.

Fact: Memory loss is a key symptom, but Alzheimer's affects other cognitive functions like reasoning, language, decision-making, and even personality changes.

Myth 2: If your parents had Alzheimer’s, you will get it too.

Fact: Genetics can play a role, but having a parent with Alzheimer’s does not guarantee you will develop the disease. Many factors, including lifestyle and environmental influences, affect the risk.

Myth 3: Aluminum in cookware or deodorants causes Alzheimer's.

Fact: Research does not support the claim that aluminum exposure causes Alzheimer’s. This myth has been debunked by multiple studies.

Myth 4: There is a cure for Alzheimer's.

Fact: Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's. Treatments can help manage symptoms and slow progression, but they cannot stop the disease.

Myth 5: Alzheimer’s is preventable.

Fact: There’s no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, but evidence suggests that healthy lifestyle choices (like exercise, a balanced diet, cognitive activities, and managing cardiovascular health) can reduce the risk.

Myth 6: Vitamins and supplements can prevent Alzheimer’s.

Fact: There is no conclusive evidence that specific vitamins or supplements (like Vitamin E or omega-3 fatty acids) can prevent Alzheimer's. Balanced nutrition may support overall brain health, but supplements are not a proven solution.

Myth 7: Alzheimer’s is contagious and is uncommon in India.

Fact: Alzheimer's is not an infectious disease and cannot be transmitted from one person to another. Fact: Alzheimer's is increasingly being diagnosed in India due to improved awareness and healthcare access. According to Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), about 4 million people in India are affected by some form of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common type.

Myth 8: Ayurvedic treatments and traditional remedies can cure Alzheimer’s.

Fact: While Ayurveda and traditional Indian remedies may offer supportive care or symptom management, there is no scientific evidence that they can cure Alzheimer’s. Always consult a medical professional before trying alternative therapies. Myth 9: Women are more likely to get Alzheimer’s than men. Truth: Statistically, women are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to men. This is partly because women tend to live longer, and age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Hormonal differences may also contribute to this disparity.