A recent survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic and Parade found that 85% of adults have considered their risk for developing brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Despite this high percentage, the survey revealed that individuals may not be as proactive when it comes to addressing memory or brain-related issues.
A surprising 36% of adults under 50 admitted to being hesitant to talk to a doctor about their concerns. Dr. Jessica Caldwell, a neuropsychologist, emphasized the importance of seeking medical evaluation for any attention or memory problems as there are often treatable reasons behind them.
The survey also highlighted common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s and dementia among the respondents. For example, 44% of adults aged 18 to 34 believe that if a relative has Alzheimer’s, they are guaranteed to develop it too. However, Alzheimer’s is not always hereditary, contrary to popular belief.
Furthermore, men and women participating in the survey each assumed that the other gender was more at risk for Alzheimer’s. Dr. Caldwell clarified that more women are currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s compared to men, emphasizing the need for open conversations about the disease. She emphasized the importance of spreading awareness and having discussions about Alzheimer’s and dementia in various settings to increase understanding and reduce misconceptions.
