Understanding Early Onset Alzheimer’s

24 Feb Understanding Early Onset Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is commonly associated with old age, but people may be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s before reaching 65. This form of Alzheimer’s is known as early-onset or younger-onset Alzheimer’s, and it is becoming more common in the United States.

Who is Diagnosed with Early-Onset?

Early-onset Alzheimer’s effects people in their 40s or 50s. There is no telling when a person will show signs or be diagnoised with the disease, but early-onset Alzheimer’s effects 200,000 people each year in the United States.

The Symptoms of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

Health care providers do not look for Alzheimer’s in younger adults; therefore, it is up to a person and their loved ones to be aware of symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s. The first symptom of early-onset Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering. This could be attributed to other issues, such as lack of sleep, stress, and poor diet. An accurate diagnosis is important in order to provide a person or family members information of what’s happening with their loved one.

Other symptoms of early-onset may include:

• Memory Loss: Memory loss might start as an occasional forgotten thought, but eventually turn into a form of memory loss that interrupts daily life.
• Problem-Solving Issues: As the disease progresses, it will be difficult to follow plans, keep up with to-do lists, and pay bills. When trying to problem-solve, it will be difficult to rationalize or think of a solution to their problem.
• Confusion: When Alzheimer’s progresses, a person will have trouble distinguishing dates and times. They may have moments where they think they are in the past, lose track of dates or events, forget time, or arrive somewhere but not know how they got there.

What is the Treatment for Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?

There is no cure or for early-onset Alzheimer’s, however, some medications may slow the worsening of symptoms. At Windemere Park of Oakland an Alzheimer’s care facility located in Troy, a loved one will receive assistance from a trained caregiving staff with daily tasks such as dressing, grooming and bathing. In addition, our Lifestyle Director creates engaging programs that promote overall well-being.

It is important to note that an Alzheimer’s diagnosis brings along anxiety and depression. Windemere Park of Oakland is an Alzheimer’s care facility that understands dementia and provides a safe home-like environment that provides group support, while receiving outstanding care and support.