Alzheimer’s may be common but that doesn’t make it any less mysterious. Because there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, people are naturally concerned about what causes the disease and how they can prevent it.
More and more research has been done on the potential causes of Alzheimer’s, but at this time, scientists aren’t exactly certain why some people develop the disease and others do not. Unfortunately, this uncertainty leads to rumors and inaccuracies that concern people when they don’t need to.
Myths aren’t always dangerous to believe in, but in this case, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. For example, if you believe that flu shots can cause Alzheimer’s and you don’t get vaccinated, you could be putting yourself at risk for the flu.
Here are three things that do not cause Alzheimer’s.
1. Aluminum
It was once believed that aluminum increased the risk of Alzheimer’s. This fear caused people to throw away foods in aluminum cans, such as soups and vegetables, as well as cans of soda and aluminum cookware. Though this is one of the longer standing rumors, there is no convincing evidence that trace elements of aluminum are linked to an increased Alzheimer’s risk.
2. Artificial Sugars
A recent study found that people who drink diet soda each day were three times more likely to develop stroke and dementia within the next 10 years compared to others who don’t drink diet soda. However, researchers believe that artificial sweeteners raise the risk of stroke, which can then raise the risk of Alzheimer’s. At this time, the FDA sticks to its conclusion that artificial sweeteners are safe for most people.
3. Flu Shots
Another theory is that flu shots can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. This idea was suggested by a doctor who had their license suspended, so it’s not exactly credible. Additionally, several studies have shown that getting the flu shot can lead to better health and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. These studies can be found in the Canadian Medical Journal and JAMA.
Alzheimer’s is a complex and mysterious condition that leaves room for speculation. Before jumping to conclusions, talk to your doctor about what’s safe and not safe.