Did you know over 55 million people live with dementia worldwide—and many still believe it’s just “normal aging”?
A person is said to have dementia if their memory and other cognitive skills worsen enough to make it hard for them to do normal things.
It is a clinical syndrome characterized by the steady, gradual, and progressive loss of cognitive ability. [1]
Over the past few decades, social media research has helped in the development and understanding of dementia [2]; however, it is crucial to dispel myths about dementia because they can affect how individuals with the disease are perceived, as well as those who may be experiencing symptoms that may or may not be related.
FACT: Although dementia mostly affects older individuals, it is not a normal part of the aging process.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (2013), replaces the word "dementia" with "major neurocognitive disorder" and defines it as a significant drop in brain function that makes it hard to live independently. [4]
While memory loss is the most talked-about symptom, it’s far from the only misconception.
Let’s look at another common myth:
Games like puzzles, riddles, and computerized cognitive training have been shown to enhance cognitive abilities—but can they cure or stop dementia progression?
FACT: Unfortunately, no. This statement is false. ‘Brain games’ are not a cure and cannot stop dementia from occurring, however they can be used to improve quality of life of these patients according to expert insights.
Many games have shown their potential to improve working memory and executive functions, reduce cognitive decline, and protect brain health in dementia patients. Caregivers and physicians can contribute to enhancing the quality of life of dementia patients and potentially mitigate the impact of dementia by encouraging dementia patients to include these games in their daily routines.Dr. Abraham Olufemi Asuku, Ph.D, Chief Scientific Officer at National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Nigeria.
Another widespread worry many people have is related to family history.
A lot of individuals may feel scared and worried for themselves as a family member of someone with the syndrome.
“Am I next? Will my children have it too?”
FACT: The truth is, heredity may play a role, but more often than not, lifestyle and other risk factors play a major contributory role in the development of dementia.
According to the Alzheimer's Society, “In the vast majority of cases (more than 99 in 100), Alzheimer’s disease is not inherited.”[5]
Family history increases the risk of dementia, but it is not necessarily unavoidable. A parent with the gene for familial Alzheimer’s disease, which is a type of dementia passed down in families, has a 50% chance of passing it to their child, so having a family history does not guarantee one will develop the condition. The development of dementia entails a complex interplay of factors like genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and environmental factors.Dr. Abraham Olufemi Asuku, Ph.D, Chief Scientific Officer at National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Nigeria.
What is more important, according to Dr Asuku is, "adopting a healthy lifestyle like eating a balanced and nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep, and doing physical exercise can help to lower the overall risk of developing dementia."
Dementia affects behavior too, but not in the way everyone assumes.
FACT: Not all dementia patients exhibit symptoms of violence and aggression; different circumstances, behaviors, and types of dementia, as well as other influencing factors, vary widely.
In a study published by the American Journal of Psychiatry, only 15% of individuals diagnosed with dementia had aggressive symptoms, and these symptoms were highly associated with depression. [6]
Confusion also arises from how terms are used.
More often than not, dementia is mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease. This is because the majority of individuals with dementia have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which is one type of dementia among others.
FACT: Alzheimer’s is one type of dementia among many.
Let’s clarify a misconception that many people worry about when they forget things.
FACT: No, this statement is not true. Many other factors, like stress, medications, and other conditions, can cause memory issues.
It is important to visit a specialist if you have any concerns about your memory. Do not speculate, to avoid misdiagnosis.
FACT: Dementia is often subtle in the early stages and may go unrecognized.
Early symptoms can include mild forgetfulness, word-finding difficulty, or changes in judgment and mood. These are frequently misattributed to stress, aging, or other causes.
Early detection is key to better outcomes. Recent advances in diagnostic tools such as PET scans, MRI imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are now helping clinicians detect dementia earlier and more accurately. [7]
Facebook, Twitter, and other social media are not necessarily the best sources for medical information, except when it comes from verified professional profiles.
However, it is still useful to always double-check with more credible sources like:
WHO
Alzheimer’s Association
Dementia and Geriatric Associations
Peer-reviewed journals
Believing the myths about dementia can be very harmful; it can isolate loved ones, delay diagnosis, and cause social stigma.
The truth is, dementia is complex.
Symptoms and characteristics vary depending on the type you are faced with, so here is what you can do:
Be compassionate with those living with it
Educate yourself with credible sources
Support research and spread awareness
Always seek professional advice from your healthcare provider in the case of any suspicion
References:
Emmady, Prabhu D., Caroline Schoo, and Prasanna Tadi. “Major Neurocognitive Disorder (Dementia).” StatPearls Publishing, 2025. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557444/.
Hrincu, V., G. Zaleski, and J. M. Robillard. “Ethical Considerations at the Intersection of Social Media and Dementia Prevention Research.” The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease 11, no. 2 (2024): 274–84. https://doi.org/10.14283/jpad.2024.4
Arvanitakis, Zoe, Raj C. Shah, and David A. Bennett. “Diagnosis and Management of Dementia: A Review.” JAMA 322, no. 16 (2019): 1589–99. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.4782.
Irwin, Katie, Claire Sexton, Tarun Daniel, Brian Lawlor, and Lorina Naci. “Healthy Aging and Dementia: Two Roads Diverging in Midlife?” Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 10 (September 2018). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2018.00275.
O’Shea, Deirdre M., Liselotte De Wit, and Glenn E. Smith. “Doctor, Should I Use Computer Games to Prevent Dementia?” Clinical Gerontologist 42, no. 1 (2019): 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2017.1370057.
Lyketsos, Constantine G., Cynthia Steele, Elizabeth Galik, et al. “Physical Aggression in Dementia Patients and Its Relationship to Depression.” American Journal of Psychiatry 156, no. 1 (1999): 66–71. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.156.1.66.
Jack, Clifford R., et al. “NIA-AA Research Framework: Toward a Biological Definition of Alzheimer’s Disease.” Alzheimer’s & Dementia 14, no. 4 (2018): 535–562. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2018.02.018.
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