Terminal Illnesses and Common Misconceptions: A Study on Alzheimer’s

The disease I am focusing on is Alzheimer's. It is a progressive disease that causes memory loss. It will also destroy brain cell connections and cause the cell itself to die. When this happens, both the memory and mental functions are destroyed. The symptoms mostly occur later in life.

People Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s

• Ronald Reagan, our 40th president was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 83. He continued to live his next 10 years in peace before dying at the age of 93.

• Rosa Parks began having mental health problems around the late 1990's. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2004 and passed away in 2005.

Common misconceptions

1. Alzheimer's and dementia are the same - Alzheimer's is a form of dementia, but there are many other forms as well. So while they are very similar, they are not the same.

2. Only people older than 70 will get it - although its rare, people as young as 30 can exhibit symptoms. This is called early-onset Alzheimer's.

3. You can prevent Alzheimer's disease - false, there's no proven way to prevent it, but living a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk

Specialties Relating to Alzheimer's

1. Caregiver - they will handle the person's health, legal, and financial affairs. They will also manage

the person's finances and help them pay for bills (*this job is mainly done by family)

2. Neurologists -specialize in brain disorders.

3. Geriatricians - specialize in the care of older folks.

4. Geriatric Psychiatrist - specialize in mental and emotional health of old people (also nurses and home health aides)

Quick Facts about Alzheimer’s

1. There are currently treatments, but no cures.

2. Women are more likely to get Alzheimer's because they tend to live longer than men.

3. Keeping the brain active can decrease the risk of getting the disease.

4, Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia.