Early-onset Alzheimer’s is a rare type of Alzheimer’s disease that begins before age 65. It usually starts between ages 40 and 50 and can cause memory loss or memory lapses.
It can also lead to mental confusion, aggression, and difficulty doing everyday routine activities. This type of Alzheimer’s is also called early-onset dementia.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s is associated with inherited genetic changes that lead to a buildup of tau proteins and beta-amyloid in the brain. These changes affect areas involved in speech and memory, so it is important to see a neurologist as soon as symptoms appear, especially when there is a family history of the disease.
Common symptoms
The main symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s are:
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Memory loss or memory lapses
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Difficulty remembering events or conversations
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Problems with organization or planning
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Difficulty learning new tasks
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Trouble finding the right words and following conversations
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Confusion about place, time, or dates
Other symptoms may include putting objects in inappropriate places, difficulty recognizing faces and people, aggression, irritability, depression, or apathy.
With early-onset Alzheimer’s, symptoms tend to appear much faster than they do in older adults. The loss of the ability to care for yourself also tends to happen much earlier.
According to the CDC, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the disease and allow individuals and their families to plan for the future.
It is important to see a neurologist as soon as Alzheimer’s symptoms appear so the condition can be diagnosed and appropriate treatment started.
Online Alzheimer’s test
Take this quick test to find out whether you may be at risk for early-onset Alzheimer’s:
The Alzheimer’s test is only a screening tool. It does not diagnose the condition or take the place of an appointment with a neurologist.
When do symptoms begin?
Symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease usually appear between 40 and 50 years of age. However, there is no exact age when it begins, as cases have been reported as early as 27 and as late as 51 years.
The most important thing is that people with a family history of Alzheimer’s stay aware of possible warning signs and symptoms.
Confirming a diagnosis
The diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is made by a neurologist based on symptoms, family history of Alzheimer’s, memory and cognitive testing, and imaging tests such as a brain MRI or CT scan.
In addition, the doctor may order lab tests to rule out other conditions that can cause memory changes, such as hypothyroidism, depression, vitamin B12 deficiency, hepatitis, or HIV.
Possible causes
The exact cause of early-onset Alzheimer’s is not fully understood. However, based on the National Institute on Aging, early-onset Alzheimer’s is strongly linked to genetic factors in some families, and inherited changes in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 can lead to disease developing before age 65.
Treatment options
Treatment for early-onset Alzheimer’s should be managed by a neurologist. The goal is to help reduce symptoms and slow progression of the disease.
The doctor may prescribe different medications, such as donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, or memantine, which help maintain cognitive function.
In addition, the doctor may recommend medications to improve sleep quality and mood, along with psychotherapy, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet that includes antioxidant foods.
Treatment for early-onset Alzheimer’s should involve a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, a physical therapist, a speech therapist, a registered dietitian, and an occupational therapist. This can help prevent other symptoms and complications and improve quality of life.