Dispelling Dementia Myths: Why You Should Get a Diagnosis
March 17, 2025
There are a lot of emotions that come up when you or a loved one begins to experience cognitive decline or memory problems. Sometimes, these emotions manifest as defeatism—a pessimistic attitude that nothing can be done. When it comes to dementia, these attitudes can stem from misunderstandings about the disease that can prevent someone from pursuing a diagnosis. Here are some common myths about dementia and reasons why it’s still worthwhile to get a diagnosis:
1. “Nothing can be done about dementia anyway.”
- Reality: While it’s true that there is no cure for most types of dementia, early diagnosis can lead to treatments that may slow the progression of symptoms. Additionally, knowing what type of dementia a person has can help manage the condition more effectively.
2. “Getting a diagnosis will just upset everyone.”
- Reality: While a dementia diagnosis can be distressing, it also provides clarity and can relieve anxiety and uncertainty about what’s causing symptoms. This clarity helps families make informed decisions about care, legal, and financial planning.
3. “If it’s just old age, why bother finding out if it’s dementia?”
- Reality: Normal aging might include occasional forgetfulness, but dementia involves more severe impairments that interfere with daily life. An early diagnosis can provide strategies for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
“Every dementia is so different,” said Alex Sims, Marketing Director at Fieldstone Village at Keizer Ridge. “It’s important for treatment, but also for the families to understand certain physical behaviors. The correct diagnosis will help them understand what is happening and what the disease progression could look like.”
4. “It’s too late to make any difference.”
- Reality: It’s never too late to benefit from knowing. A diagnosis can help optimize the environment, improve safety, and address behaviors or symptoms more effectively. It can also help in assessing the need for caregiver support and possibly participating in clinical trials that could offer new insights and treatments.
“If you have an official diagnosis, you can get into specific treatment for that diagnosis,” Sims said. “Even this year, there are new medications that can be used. It won’t cure it, but it could prolong quality of life,” she explained. “The clinical trials can be a helpful part of finding new medicines or treatments.”
5. “Medications don’t work, so why bother?”
- Reality: Medications for dementia can vary in effectiveness from person to person, but they can improve symptoms or slow progression for some. New medications are being studied and tested every day. Moreover, non-medical interventions such as lifestyle changes, therapeutic activities, and social engagement can enhance quality of life.
These examples show that despite the challenges and emotional weight of a dementia diagnosis, there are practical reasons to pursue one. Seeking a timely and accurate dementia diagnosis has many compelling benefits, including significantly improving life quality, aiding in planning for the future, and ensuring that suitable treatments and supports are implemented.
Obtaining a formal diagnosis of dementia is necessary for several reasons:
Exclusion of other conditions: It’s good to rule out other health issues that could mimic dementia, such as urinary tract infections or sensory losses, which can also impair cognitive function.
Customized treatment plans: Specific types of dementia require different treatment approaches.
Future planning: Early diagnosis provides a window for patients and families to make legal, financial, and care arrangements and to discuss future healthcare and living preferences. Sometimes families erroneously think that a diagnosis will limit their loved one’s options for long-term care. But that’s not the case, Sims said.
“People with a dementia diagnosis can still move into assisted living if they want,” she explained. “A lot of people start out in assisted living and then move to memory care when there are safety concerns.”
Access to support and resources: Early-stage diagnosis opens access to various support services, including therapy, support groups, and community resources which can be valuable for patients and caregivers alike. It also may allow for participation in clinical studies seeking new treatments.
Lifestyle adjustments and interventions: With an early diagnosis, lifestyle interventions can be made to potentially slow the progression of dementia. These might include dietary modifications, exercise programs, cognitive therapies, and social activities.
Understanding and acceptance: Receiving a diagnosis can often relieve the stress of uncertainty for both the individual and family members, helping adjust expectations and enhancing communication and connection.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of cognitive decline, the first step is to consult with a healthcare provider who can assess symptoms and refer to specialists like neurologists or geriatricians for further evaluation. Despite the challenges of a dementia diagnosis, the advantages of understanding and managing the condition far outweigh the drawbacks of remaining undiagnosed.
Support for people with dementia and their caregivers in Keizer, OR
You and your loved ones are not alone—there are many organizations dedicated to supporting families through cognitive decline. The Alzheimer’s Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington offers many resources for people with dementia and their caregivers. Explore support groups, online tools, educational events, and helpful articles. The City of Salem Senior Center has a program dedicated to brain health that includes respite care, adult day care, social programs, and support groups.