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Alzehimer's Myths & Truths

Alzehimer's Myths & Truths
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TALLAHASSEE, FL - Alzheimer's Disease is the 6th leading cause of death among Americans.

The entire month of June is dedicated to Alzheimer's Awareness.

David Huckabee and Annie Todd visited Sunrise on Monday to talk about some of the truths and misconceptions surrounding the disease.

It is now common knowledge that Alzheimer's robs people of their ability to remember, but we now know that it is a fatal disease with symptoms that extend past memory loss and can affect anyone, at any age.

Truth: Alzheimer's disease, the sixth-leading cause of death among Americans, leaves no survivors and is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented, slowed, or cured. Every 66 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Truth: Early diagnosis matters. A common misconception is that Alzheimer's disease is normal aging. With an estimated half a million Floridians and over 7,000 Tallahassee residents living with Alzheimer's disease, studies show less than half have been diagnosed. Early diagnosis means families living with the disease can plan and build a solid support system.

Truth: Risks are higher among some more than others. African-Americans are about twice as likely as Caucasians to have Alzheimer's or another dementia. Hispanics are about one and a half times as likely; and more than two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's disease are women- making women nearly two times as likely to get Alzheimer's as men.

Myth: Alzheimer's is an older person's disease. The truth is one in nine people age 65 and older will be diagnosed; and one in three seniors will die with Alzheimer's disease.Although age is the biggest risk factor, Alzheimer's disease can affect anyone with a brain.

Myth: Alzheimer's disease is just memory loss. The truth is Alzheimer's is a fatal disease –there are no survivors. From 2000-2013, the number of Alzheimer's deaths increased 71 percent, while deaths from other major diseases decreased.

Myth: There is no way to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease. The truth is staying mentally active, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a healthy diet benefits your body and your brain. There is also some evidence people may benefit from staying socially engaged with friends, family and the community. The Alzheimer's Association is sharing steps to reduce your risk of cognitive decline with 10 Ways to Love Your Brain.