(This was published just days after the death of former President Ronald Reagan.)

The number of calls I've had about Alzheimer's Disease has gone up this last week. I understand that the same is true of the Alzheimer's Association and other mental health advisors. Of course, we all know why. Even with all the recent news, there is still a lot of mystery and misunderstanding surrounding Alzheimer's.

Here's a sampling of some of the most common "facts" that aren't facts at all. The most important thing to remember is that not everything that causes forgetfulness is Alzheimer's Disease. And, some of the most common causes can be cured or at least made considerably better.

Depression, for instance, can mimic Alzheimer's, and there is a lot that can be done for depression.

MYTH: Memory loss is a natural part of growing older.
TRUTH: Minor memory loss may go along with advanced aging. But severe memory loss is a symptom of serious illness.

MYTH: Alzheimer's disease is not life-threatening.
TRUTH: Alzheimer's is a fatal disease.

MYTH: Head injury can lead to Alzheimer's disease.
TRUTH: Alzheimer's disease appears to be more common among people who have had a severe head injury with a loss of consciousness at some time. A slight bump to the head doesn't appear to have any correlation.

MYTH: The artificial sweetener aspartame (Nutrasweet® and Equal®) causes memory loss.
TRUTH: Studies have found no evidence of a link between aspartame and memory loss.

MYTH: There are medications that can stop Alzheimer's disease.
TRUTH: There is no medication or treatment that cures or stops the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Today there are drugs that may temporarily improve or stabilize memory and thinking skills in some individuals.