In Hong Kong, dementia (commonly known as “brain degeneration” or “senile dementia”) is becoming increasingly prevalent as the population ages. However, society still holds many misunderstandings and prejudices, leading patients and families to delay seeking help and even endure unnecessary stress.
1. Myth: Dementia is just “normal aging”
Clarification: Normal aging may involve mild forgetfulness, such as misplacing keys, but it does not affect daily life. Dementia is pathological degeneration, progressively impairing memory, language, judgment, and function, eventually preventing independent living. Many families regard forgetfulness in the elderly as “natural,” thus ignoring early warning signs. In fact, if an elder begins forgetting familiar routes, cannot complete daily tasks, or shows declining judgment, it may be pathological degeneration. Early recognition allows patients and families to receive treatment and support sooner.
2. Myth: Only elderly people get dementia
Clarification: Although most patients are over 65, there is “early-onset dementia,” which can appear at ages 40–50. These patients are often misattributed to stress or emotional problems, delaying diagnosis. Early-onset patients are usually still working or caring for families, so the impact is greater. Because society generally believes “young people don’t get brain degeneration,” patients are often misdiagnosed as depression or anxiety.
3. Myth: Dementia has no medication at all
Clarification: Although current drugs cannot cure dementia, medications exist that can slow progression and improve quality of life; new anti-amyloid antibody therapies are also gradually developing. Drug treatment can improve memory, concentration, and behavioral symptoms, and reduce caregiver stress. Although effects vary by individual, clinical evidence shows that early use can slow deterioration.
4. Myth: Patients deteriorate because they are “lazy” or “not trying”
Clarification: Dementia is a brain disease, unrelated to willpower. Some family members mistakenly think patients are “not paying attention” or “unwilling to remember things,” and blame them. This attitude only increases patients’ guilt and anxiety, and may even lead to depression. The correct approach is to understand the disease nature and provide patient companionship.
5. Myth: Dementia patients “have no value”
Clarification: Patients still have emotions, needs, and dignity. With appropriate treatment and care, they can maintain quality of life and connection with family. Society often defines patients by “loss of ability,” but overlooks that they can still feel love and care. Even if language ability declines, patients can express emotions through eye contact, facial expressions, and behavior. Respecting patients’ value of existence is the responsibility of families and society.
6. Myth: Family “endurance” alone can solve the problem
Clarification: Caregivers need professional support and social resources, otherwise they easily develop “caregiver stress syndrome.” Long-term caregiving exhausts families physically and mentally, causing insomnia, anxiety, or depression. Hong Kong has community centers, day care, and support groups to help families share the burden. Seeking help is not “unfilial,” but ensures patients and families can sustain healthy living.
7. Myth: Dementia patients will inevitably “lose control” or “be violent”
Clarification: Not all patients develop behavioral problems. Some may have hallucinations or delusions, but with medication and non-drug treatments, most can stabilize emotions. Society’s fear of patients often stems from misunderstanding. In fact, most patients simply have declining memory and judgment, and are not “dangerous.” Even if behavioral problems occur, doctors can help control them with medication and psychological treatment.
8. Myth: Dementia cannot be prevented
Clarification: Healthy lifestyle can reduce risk, including balanced diet, exercise, social interaction, and controlling blood pressure and diabetes. Although it cannot be completely avoided, progression can be delayed. This reminds us that prevention should begin in middle age.
9. Myth: Dementia patients “understand nothing”
Clarification: Patients’ abilities gradually decline, but they can still feel love and care. Even if language ability decreases, they can maintain connection with family through emotions and non-verbal communication. Many families stop communicating because they think patients “don’t understand.” In fact, patients can still sense tone, facial expressions, and touch. Continued communication reduces isolation and improves quality of life.
10. Myth: Dementia is just “poor memory”
Clarification: Beyond memory, patients also develop language impairment, declining judgment, spatial disorientation, and emotional fluctuations. Dementia is a multifaceted disease, not limited to memory. Patients may be unable to complete daily tasks, lose sense of direction, or show emotional instability. These symptoms often affect life more than forgetfulness itself.
11. Myth: Dementia patients “will quickly and completely lose all abilities”
Clarification: The speed of progression varies among individuals. Some patients in the early stage can maintain stable living for many years. With medication and non-drug treatments, deterioration can be delayed. Society often describes dementia as “rapid decline,” causing families excessive fear. In fact, early diagnosis and intervention allow patients to maintain function and even continue social participation and simple work.
12. Myth: Dementia patients “do not need early diagnosis”
Clarification: Early diagnosis enables patients and families to receive medication, non-drug interventions, and social support sooner, delaying deterioration and reducing caregiver stress. Many families delay medical consultation out of fear of “trouble” or “labeling,” believing diagnosis is only necessary when the condition is severe. Early diagnosis is not only a medical act but also an important step to safeguard dignity and quality of life. Delayed diagnosis only causes patients and families to miss the best intervention timing.
13. Myth: Dementia patients “cannot receive psychological therapy”
Clarification: Although cognitive ability declines, psychological therapy can still improve emotions and behavior, especially in the early stage. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce anxiety, and interpersonal therapy can improve family interaction. Psychological therapy does not rely solely on “memory,” but works through emotions and support systems.
14. Myth: Dementia patients “do not need social activities”
Clarification: Social interaction stimulates brain activity, reduces isolation, and delays deterioration. Many families restrict outings out of fear of embarrassment, which accelerates decline. Participation in community activities, support groups, or religious gatherings can enhance patients’ mood and self-esteem.
15. Myth: Dementia patients “cannot exercise”
Clarification: Moderate exercise improves mood, sleep, and cardiovascular health, reduces fall risk, and delays deterioration.
16. Myth: Dementia patients “will inevitably lose language ability”
Clarification: Language ability gradually declines, but patients can still communicate through non-verbal means such as eye contact, facial expressions, and touch. If family members continue interacting, patients can still feel love and support even as language deteriorates.
17. Myth: Dementia patients “do not need nutritional management”
Clarification: Balanced diet improves brain health and reduces complications. If patients lack nutrition, deterioration accelerates and infection risk increases.
18. Myth: Dementia patients “will inevitably become violent”
Clarification: Only some patients develop agitation or aggression as the disease progresses; most are not dangerous. Violent behavior is usually related to hallucinations or delusions, and can be improved through medication and environmental adjustments. Society should not view patients with fear.
19. Myth: Dementia patients “do not need family support”
Clarification: Family support is central to treatment, reducing isolation and improving quality of life. Without family support, patients are prone to depression and anxiety. Companionship and understanding from family significantly improve recovery.
20. Myth: Dementia patients “cannot use new technology assistance”
Clarification: Technology products such as electronic reminders, tracking devices, and smart home systems help patients maintain independent living. For example, smart watches can remind medication, and trackers can prevent wandering. Technology does not replace caregivers but provides assistance.
21. Myth: Dementia patients “do not need a safe environment”
Clarification: Patients’ judgment and spatial sense decline, making them prone to falls or wandering. A safe environment is crucial. Homes should avoid clutter, install non-slip flooring, and add night lights. When going out, tracking devices can reduce wandering risk. A safe environment protects patients’ dignity and independence.
22. Myth: Dementia patients “do not need sleep management”
Clarification: Lack of sleep worsens memory decline and emotional problems. Patients often have insomnia or reversed sleep cycles. Regular routines, environmental adjustments, and necessary medication can improve sleep. Good sleep reduces agitation and confusion.
23. Myth: Dementia patients “cannot enjoy music or art”
Clarification: Music and art stimulate the brain, evoke memories, and reduce anxiety. Research shows familiar songs help patients recall past events, while painting or crafts enhance mood. These activities are not only entertainment but also part of therapy.
24. Myth: Dementia patients “do not need regular physical check-ups”
Clarification: Patients often have hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, which, if unmonitored, accelerate decline. Regular check-ups detect complications early and prevent worsening. Physical health and brain health are closely linked.
25. Myth: Dementia patients “cannot participate in family decisions”
Clarification: In the early stage, patients can still express their wishes and should be respected. For example, treatment plans, living arrangements, and financial planning should include their opinions. This maintains dignity and reduces helplessness.
26. Myth: Dementia patients “will inevitably lose all memory”
Clarification: Memory decline is uneven; old memories often last longer. Many patients still remember childhood or youth. Families can use photos or old items to evoke memories and strengthen bonds.
27. Myth: Dementia patients “do not need emotional support”
Clarification: Patients often feel anxious, depressed, or lonely. Emotional support improves quality of life. Psychological therapy, support groups, and religious or spiritual activities reduce isolation. Emotional health and brain function influence each other.
28. Myth: Dementia patients “cannot use assistive tools”
Clarification: Tools such as notebooks, electronic reminders, and trackers help patients remain independent. These tools reduce forgetfulness and wandering, increasing safety. Technology assists rather than replaces caregivers.
29. Myth: Dementia patients “do not need social resources”
Clarification: Social resources such as day centers and community support groups ease family burden. Hong Kong has many NGOs providing services. Social support helps patients maintain social life and activities.
30. Myth: Dementia patients “have no hope”
Clarification: Although incurable, with medication, non-drug treatments, and family support, patients can still maintain quality of life. Hope comes not from “cure” but from “improvement.” Patients can feel love and respect, families can gain support, and society can provide resources. These are all sources of hope.
