When people think about Alzheimer’s disease, they often associate it with older adults. However, Alzheimer’s can also affect people under the age of 65. It may be rare but it’s not unheard of. This is known as younger onset Alzheimer’s, also called early onset Alzheimer’s.
What Is Younger Onset Alzheimer’s?
Younger onset Alzheimer’s is Alzheimer’s disease that affects someone before the age of 65. A person with younger onset Alzheimer’s can be in the early, middle, or late stage of the disease.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, meaning symptoms become more severe over time. While memory problems can be an early part of the disease, Alzheimer’s can also affect thinking, communication, judgment, and a person’s ability to manage everyday activities.
The Alzheimer’s Association notes that younger onset Alzheimer’s is much less common than Alzheimer’s that occurs later in life and that researchers still don’t understand why younger onset Alzheimer's exactly happens. However, they did identify rare genetic changes that can be directly linked to the cause of Alzheimer's.
Why Diagnosis Can Be Difficult
One of the challenges with younger onset Alzheimer’s is that memory or thinking problems may not immediately be associated with Alzheimer’s.
Because doctors may not initially look for Alzheimer’s in younger people, symptoms can sometimes be attributed to stress or other conditions. This can lead to conflicting diagnoses and delays in getting the right evaluation.
If someone is experiencing ongoing memory problems or other changes in thinking, it is important to speak with a health care professional. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends a comprehensive medical evaluation. This may include a medical exam, cognitive testing, a neurological exam, or brain imaging. This is because there is currently no single test that confirms Alzheimer’s disease.
Keeping notes about changes in memory or thinking can also help when speaking with a doctor.
The Impact on Work and Family
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can affect many areas of life, especially when it occurs before retirement age.
Someone in their 40s or 50s may still be working, raising children, managing household responsibilities, or planning for retirement. A diagnosis can bring new questions about employment, finances, health coverage, family responsibilities, and future care.
Younger onset Alzheimer’s can also affect family members who may suddenly take on additional responsibilities. Planning early can give individuals and families an opportunity to discuss important financial and legal decisions while the person with Alzheimer’s can still participate in those conversations.
Living With Younger Onset Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer’s Association provides resources for people with younger onset Alzheimer’s, including support groups, online communities, and tools that can help individuals and families find information and support. Some support groups are specifically designed for people living with younger onset Alzheimer’s.
Support can also become an important part of care at home. Depending on a person’s needs, home care assistance may help with everyday routines, companionship, transportation, personal care, or other activities. Homewatch CareGivers of Boise provides dementia and Alzheimer’s care along with flexible in-home care options for families in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and surrounding areas.
If you or someone you know is experiencing ongoing changes in memory or thinking, talking with a health care professional is an important first step. For families who need additional support at home, Homewatch CareGivers of Idaho can help families learn about available in-home care options.
Homewatch Idaho Contact Number: 208-350-7269
Homewatch Websites:
Boise: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/boise
Twin Falls: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/twinfalls
Nampa: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/nampa
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Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, Mountain Home, Middleton, Parma, Homedale, Twin Falls, Jerome, Buhl, Kimberly, Filer, Wendell, Gooding, Pocatello, Burley, Chubbuck, American Falls, and Blackfoot.