Dementia: myth vs fact
Not everything people say and write about dementia is supported by evidence. Here are some common dementia myths, and the true facts.
Myth: dementia is a normal part of ageing
Fact: dementia is not a normal part of ageing.
Dementia is a brain condition that can affect anyone. Not all older people will develop dementia.
Our free BrainTrack app helps you monitor and understand changes in thinking over time, which can help you start a conversation with your GP.
Myth: dementia and Alzheimer's disease are the same
Fact: Alzheimer's disease is just one type of dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. But dementia isn't one specific disease. More than 100 conditions can cause dementia.
Learn more on our types of dementia page.
Myth: only elderly people get dementia
Fact: anyone can be diagnosed with dementia.
If you're diagnosed with dementia when you're under 65, it's known as younger onset dementia. It's estimated that almost 29,000 Australians live with younger onset dementia, including people in their 30s, 40s and 50s.
For more on younger onset dementia, visit our younger onset dementia page.
Myth: dementia is just being forgetful
Fact: dementia is not just forgetfulness.
Dementia affects everyone uniquely. It can affect your thinking, mood and behaviour as well as memory, enough to interfere with your social or work life.
Memory loss in dementia is different from sometimes forgetting things. It is persistent and progressive, not just occasional.
If you're worried about memory changes in you or someone else, visit our 'The sooner you know' page.
Myth: aluminium causes dementia
Fact: there is no evidence that aluminium causes dementia.
Numerous scientific studies have explored this, and the scientific consensus is that aluminium plays no specific role in causing Alzheimer's disease.
For more information about the causes of dementia, visit our 'About dementia' page.
Myth: coconut oil cures dementia
Fact: there is no evidence that coconut oil cures dementia.
People have suggested that components in coconut oil could treat or cure Alzheimer's disease. But there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
For more on treatments for dementia, visit our treatment and management page.
Myth: cold showers prevent dementia
Fact: there is no evidence that cold showers prevent dementia.
There is evidence suggesting inflammation or poor blood supply to the brain affects Alzheimer's disease, and these processes could be impacted by temperature.
But there is no proven link between bathing in cold water and protection against any form of dementia.
For more on preventing dementia, visit our 'Reducing your risk' page.
