Alzheimer's Myths 7 and 8

Myth 7: "Dad's Alzheimer's will make him an angry and aggressive person, and he will lash out at us eventually."

It's a common worry that a patient with Alzheimer's will eventually turn irate or violent. Aggression is less common than you might think, however. It's not a guaranteed part of one's experience with the disease. It's likely that someone with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia will feel frustrated or angry at times -- perhaps especially when in an unfamiliar environment or when he's embarrassed -- but he may not express those emotions as violent outbursts.

The disease affects people differently. In fact, some people become more reserved or timid as the disease progresses. There are many ways to manage the full gamut of behaviors prompted by the disease.

Myth 8: "Alzheimer's symptoms are reversible."

A great deal can be done to treat and manage Alzheimer's symptoms, slowing the pace of decline and helping someone with the disease retain independence and quality of life for longer than if these things went unattended. This is especially true with an early diagnosis. Possibilities include medications, environmental cues, cognitive therapy, and treatment for related conditions, such as depression.

Ultimately, however, Alzheimer's is a progressive disease. A person may function fairly well for years in its early stage, or may decline rapidly. But there's currently no way to reverse its progress or cure it.