Early Onset Alzheimer's; What You Need To Know

Early onset Alzheimer’s disease is not typically associated with older adults aged 65+. That age group is diagnosed with the full-blown version of this terrible illness. In facet, the early onset most often occurs in adults younger than 65 years of age.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease, which means it will only get worse over time. Major declines occur in the form of memory loss, overall cognitive decline, depression, mood swings, and sleep cycle disruptions.

Researchers do not know why Alzheimer’s develops at an early age in some people. They have however, identified Alzheimer’s symptoms in people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all known dementia cases. At this time there is no cure, but some treatments can ease symptoms and delay its progression.

early onset alzheimer's

Early Onset Alzheimer’s: Symptoms

There are several distinct symptoms of memory loss that may indicate Alzheimer’s. If your loved experiences one or more, see your doctor.

The most prevalent symptom is memory loss. While all of us are forgetful at one time or another, the symptoms in early onset, are more severe and constant. For example,

Your loved one may–

forget recently learned information
ask for same information repeatedly
have a higher reliance on memory aids, such as calendars and notes
forget important events or dates

A person with early-onset Alzheimer’s will have more noticeable memory loss and may repeatedly forget the same information.

Early Onset Alzheimer’s: Daily Tasks Are A Disaster

Another symptom displayed by people with early onset is constant difficulty to complete simple tasks.

They may

forget how to get to a grocery store, restaurant, or place of employment
have problems balancing a home or work budget
forget the rules of a familiar game

A fitting example is if a person has used the same phone for years and suddenly cannot remember how to use the phone.

Confusion about location and time

Previously familiar places are now unknown and perceived as brand new locations. They also experience may have trouble keeping track of the day of the week, seasons, months, or time of day.

Frequently misplacing items and not being able to retrace steps

Most people will lose items at some time but are usually able to locate them again by searching in logical locations and retracing their steps.

A person with Alzheimer’s can repeatedly forget where they placed an item, especially if they put it in an unusual place.

Alzheimer’s also makes it difficult for a person to retrace their steps to find the missing item. This can be distressing and may cause the person to believe someone is stealing from them.

Consistently Poor Judgment

Everyone makes bad decisions at times. People with early-onset Alzheimer’s, however, may display a marked change in their ability to make good decisions.

Signs of poor judgment include:

spending too much on unnecessary items
showing inattention to personal grooming
not showering or cleaning themselves regularly

Mood swings, Depression

In ear onset Alzheimer’s the person easily becomes confused, anxious, suspicious, or depressed. They may show these signs in a variety of settings, including at work, at home, and in unfamiliar places.

Early Onset Alzheimer’s: Treatments

As there is no cure at this time, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining a reasonably good quality of life.

Related health issues such as insomnia can be treated with medication. Also, there are medications that help with symptoms of depression nd anxiety

A person may also benefit from talking to a counselor about any behavioral changes they experience. Also, some medications are available to help with symptoms of depression or anxiety.

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