Early Onset Alzheimers Disease

What is Early Onset Alzheimers Disease?

Early onset Alzheimers disease is when Alzheimers disease affects a person younger than 65 years of age. People who have early-onset Alzheimer’s may develop symptoms  as early as their 30s or 40s, but most are in their 50s or 60s.

How common is Early onset Alzheimers disease?

Early onset Alzheimers disease is not very common. Less than 5% of people who have Alzheimer’s disease have early onset.

How is Early onset Alzheimers disease different from late onset Alzheimers?

When Alzheimers starts isn’t the only difference between early-onset and “regular,” or late-onset, Alzheimer’s. Other differences include the following:

  • Genetics: Doctors and researchers have discovered that, in some people, certain rare genes may cause Alzheimer’s symptoms to start early. When genetics is the cause, the genes often have been passed down through family members and may affect several generations. This is why early-onset Alzheimer’s is sometimes called “familial” Alzheimer’s.
  • Diagnosis: It may take longer for a doctor todiagnose  early-onset Alzheimer’s. Even though the symptoms  of early-onset Alzheimer’s are the same as the symptoms for late-onset Alzheimer’s, most doctors don’t look for or suspect Alzheimer’s disease in younger people. If you are having memory problems, be sure to talk to your doctor about all your symptoms.
  • Coping: Because people who have early-onset Alzheimer’s are younger, they may still be raising children, may have jobs, and may be active in the community when symptoms start. This can make it even harder to deal with the changes that Alzheimer’s disease brings to family and personal life. People who have early onset disease are more likely to feel angry, frustrated, and/or depressed.

Tips for living with early onset Alzheimers Disease

First, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Alzheimer’s disease affects each person differently, but there are things you can do to stay active and involved in your own health care, with family and friends, and at work.

Take care of yourself

  • Follow your doctor’s advice about diet and exercise. If you take medicine, be sure to take the right amount at the right time. Visit or talk with your doctor if you have questions about your health or treatment.
  • Consider joining a support group. To find one near you,contact your local Alzheimers Association chapter  .
  • Share your thoughts and feelings with others. Don’t keep it all inside. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to family or friends, you can always talk with your doctor, clergy members, or a professional counselor.

Be open with family and friends

  • Talk to your spouse and/or other close family members about your thoughts, fears, and wishes. Your family can help you plan for the future  , including decisions about health care and legal and financial issues.
  • Talk openly with children about your disease. Understand that they may be feeling concerned, confused, upset, or afraid. If appropriate, involve your children in discussions and decisions that affect the whole family.
  • Your friends or neighbors might not know how to react to your diagnosis. They may feel like they don’t know what to say or how to help, and may be waiting for you to make the first move. Invite friends to spend time with you. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Manage your career

  • Know that, as your symptoms progress, you may find it difficult to perform certain work tasks.
  • Plan when and how to tell your boss, supervisor, or manager.
  • Tell your manager that you’d like to continue working as long as possible, and ask your manager to be flexible. Possibilities include working fewer hours, reducing responsibilities, or changing positions.
  • Work with your human resources department to make sure you’re taking advantage of all your employee benefits. Research options such as early retirement.
15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856