Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects around 16,000 people in the United States. Although it is not a common disease, ALS did gain more public recognition when the Ice Bucket Challenge was popular. People became more aware of the disease, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is now more widely understood. Sadly, there are a lot of myths about the disease, which can lead people astray. If you’re a new family caregiver to someone with ALS, below are 5 myths you should know the truth about.

Myth #1: ALS is a Disease of the Muscles

Truth: It’s easy to see why some people think ALS is all about the muscles. After all, people with the disease are eventually unable to use their muscles to walk or even feed themselves. However, ALS is actually a disease that attacks nerve cells. The destruction of the nerve cells affects the person’s ability to move their muscles, which causes muscles to atrophy over time.

Myth #2: ALS Only Happens to Old People

Truth: It is true that most cases of ALS are diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 70. The average age that people are diagnosed at is 55. However, it can occur in people who are younger or older. In fact, Lou Gehrig, the baseball player whose name is used as a nickname of sorts for the disease (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) was in his 30s when he was diagnosed and died at the age of 38.

Myth #3: ALS is Caused by Lyme Disease

Truth: This belief came about because the two diseases share some symptoms. As a result, ALS may be misdiagnosed as Lyme disease in its early stages. When the diagnosis is later corrected, people may mistakenly believe that the person had Lyme disease and it caused ALS. However, there is no evidence that suggests ALS is caused by Lyme disease or any other kind of infection.

Myth #4: ALS Does Not Affect the Mind

Truth: Doctors used to believe that ALS only affects movement. However, more recent scientific evidence shows that some people with ALS also have cognitive symptoms. Some level of cognitive impairment happens in up to 30 percent of individuals with ALS. Between 5 and 10 percent develop severe dementia.

Myth #5: There is No Help Available to People with ALS

Truth: It’s true that there’s no cure for ALS, but that does not mean that there’s no help for them. There are organizations dedicated to assisting people with ALS and their families. The ALS Association is one such organization. It has chapters in every state. You can find out more about them by visiting their website at alsa.org.

In addition to help available through organizations, elder care is another source of support and assistance for both people with ALS and their families. Elder care providers can by hired through agencies to come to the house and assist your loved one with ALS with the daily activities that become difficult or impossible. Elder care providers can help them to dress, bathe, use the bathroom, and eat. Elder care providers can also do household tasks for them, such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry.

If you are considering elder care in Wirtz, VA for an aging loved one, please talk to the caring staff at Acti-Kare of Blue Ridge. Call 888-451-5273. Our office provides senior care and home care services in the following locations including Blue Ridge, Lynchburg, Salem, Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, and Bedford in Virginia.