Millions of people are living with dementia. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding it, what it is, who develops it and how it affects those who have it.
We’re tackling the most common myths head-on and sharing the facts – because to win this race, we need to understand what we’re up against.
Myth 1: Dementia is a disease
Dementia is often referred to as a disease, but this isn’t correct. Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a set of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, mood and movement, when these symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life, it is referred to as dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is a common cause of dementia, but it is just one of many. Others include frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Myth 2: Dementia is a natural part of ageing
Dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing; it is caused by different diseases that damage the brain.
It does become more common with age; however, this is due to a combination of age-related changes to the brain and other risk factors more common in later life.
Myth 3: Only the elderly get dementia
Over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, in 2020 it was estimated that 700,000 children are living with dementia. Approximately, 3.9 million people living with dementia are aged between 30-64.
When symptom onset occurs before the age of 65, this is considered to be young-onset dementia. Annually, 370,000 people are newly diagnosed with this.
Childhood dementia results from progressive brain damage caused by over 100 rare genetic disorders.
Myth 4: Nothing can be done about dementia
While there is no cure yet, early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, treatments and support can improve quality of life for people with dementia, allowing them to lead active lives and continue to do things that matter most to them.
Race Against Dementia is working tirelessly to support groundbreaking research into the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dementia, all underpinned with the pace, precision and lateral thinking of Formula 1.
Help win the race against dementia by donating here to support the work that’s helping to bring a cure closer.
