10 myths and truths about Alzheimer's disease

7. Regular mental activity can help keep Alzheimer's at bay.
True Many studies have shown that people who exercise their minds daily can delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. A 1996 University of Kentucky study on the cognitive abilities of a group of elderly nuns showed a connection between poor linguistic skills early in life and the development of Alzheimer's -- about 90 per cent of those with low linguistic ability in their youth developed the disease. This led scientists to hypothesize that low linguistic ability could be the earliest symptom of an undiagnosed case of Alzheimer's disease.

Most data suggest that mental activities, such as playing bridge or chess or doing crossword puzzles, can be keys to maintaining good mental health. Though they won't reverse the effects of Alzheimer's disease, they can help slow its progress. It is important to remember that a healthy mind is easy to keep active, but a mind already affected by Alzheimer's disease or related dementia is harder to stimulate.

8. Herbal supplements can prevent Alzheimer's disease.
False A lot of Canadians are riding the natural wave and taking herbal supplements to prevent Alzheimer's disease. Ginkgo biloba is a popular supplement that's often touted as a memory booster. However, only prescription medicines, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, have been shown to help restore the chemicals in the brain that control memory, learning and thinking. Plus, ginkgo can be dangerous -- combined with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) it can cause brain hemorrhaging -- so take it only under your doctor's supervision.

9. All people with Alzheimer's become violent and aggressive.
False Alzheimer's disease affects every person differently, and aggression is not present in all cases. Behavioural disturbances in Alzheimer's patients can occur at different times in the course of the disease. Agitation or aggression can be related to the presence of psychosis (for example, delusions), physical stimuli (for example, pain) or in response to an event (for example, a caregiver trying to get them to do something they can't) or entering a new environment. Thus, understanding the cause can lead to an approach that can minimize agitation.

Make sure that you treat a person with Alzheimer's disease the same as you would everyone else and that you don't express your anger and frustration with the diagnosis or the disease in front of her. Ask yourself the following questions: Are you feeling frustrated as a caregiver? Do you think she can sense that you are treating her like a child or differently than before? Does she have ample time to talk about her feelings and experiences, or is she slowly fading into the background of day-to-day life? Consider these questions, then identify the patient's feelings. Most importantly, talk to her. With Alzheimer's disease, it's vital for the person affected to know that others understand and have empathy.

10. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.
True It is important to remember that, although there is no cure, there are many treatments available to help ease the symptoms of the disease and the patient's anxiety. Talk to a doctor about which treatment option is best. AChE inhibitors can help restore vital chemicals in the brain and can stabilize and improve memory, language cognition and the ability to interact with people and stay involved in life. The brains of people with Alzheimer's progressively lose the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is important for learning and memory. AChE inhibitors slow down the progress of the disease by slowing the production of the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl are three AChE inhibitors approved for use in mild to moderate Alzheimer's cases in Canada.

Researchers are also examining the beta-amyloid protein, which creates toxic plaques in the brain of Alzheimer's patients and is believed to be the main cause of brain-cell damage. It may be one of the keys that will unlock the mystery of the disease, so drugs that help stop the buildup of these proteins are currently being developed.

Ongoing studies are also looking at the role nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ASA, might play in reducing or preventing the effects of Alzheimer's. Research into the preventive role of estrogen and vaccines are also being explored. There has been an explosion of knowledge in the past 25 years, making doctors hopeful that answers are in sight and giving patients new options to fight the effects of the disease until the cure is found.