Arka Health

Younger/Early-Onset Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age. Younger-onset (also known as early-onset) Alzheimer’s affects people younger than age 65. Younger-onset is much less common, and prevalence among the more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s is uncertain.

Who gets early-onset Alzheimer’s?

Many people with early-onset are in their 40s and 50s. They have families, careers or are even caregivers themselves when Alzheimer’s disease strikes.

Diagnosing early-onset Alzheimer’s

Since health care providers generally don’t look for Alzheimer’s disease in younger people, getting an accurate diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s can be a long and frustrating process. Symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to stress or there may be conflicting diagnoses from different health care professionals. People living with early-onset Alzheimer’s may be in any stage of dementia — early stage, middle stage or late stage. The disease affects each person differently and symptoms will vary.

 

If you are experiencing memory problems:

If you are experiencing memory problems:

  • Have a comprehensive medical evaluation with a doctor who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease. Getting a diagnosis involves a medical exam and possibly cognitive tests, a neurological exam and/or brain imaging. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association for a referral.
  • Write down symptoms of memory loss or other cognitive difficulties to share with your health care professional.
  • Keep in mind that there is no one test that confirms Alzheimer’s disease. A diagnosis is only made after a comprehensive medical evaluation.

Causes of early-onset including genetics

Doctors do not understand why most cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s appear at such a young age. But in a few hundred families worldwide, scientists have pinpointed several rare genes that directly cause Alzheimer’s. People who inherit these rare genes tend to develop symptoms in their 30s, 40s and 50s. When Alzheimer’s disease is caused by deterministic genes, it is called “familial Alzheimer’s disease,” and many family members in multiple generations are affected.

BLOGS

Related Blogs

Causes and Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease
19Aug

Causes and Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference? Home > Blogs Author Dr. Gaurang Ramesh Date July 16, 2023 Causes and Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease Research suggests that there’s no single cause for Alzheimer’s disease. It is likely to be caused by multiple factors such as genetics and lifestyle. Scientists have discovered factors that increase your […]

Younger/Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
18Aug

Younger/Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

Younger/Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Home > Blogs Younger/Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age. Younger-onset (also known as early-onset) Alzheimer’s affects people younger than age 65. Younger-onset is much less common, and prevalence among the more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s is uncertain. ​Who gets early-onset Alzheimer’s? Many people with early-onset […]

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference?
18Aug

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference?

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference? Home > Blogs What is the Difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. Dementia is not. Learning about […]