What is early-onset Alzheimer’s disease?
Early-onset Alzheimer's is an uncommon form of early dementia that affects people younger than 65. It can also be called young-onset Alzheimer’s. Researchers have found rare genetic factors that may contribute to early-onset Alzheimer’s. But like later stages of the disease, we don’t know what causes early Alzheimer’s.
Factors like family health history, lifestyle choices and environmental factors can increase the risk of developing the disease.1 Learning the symptoms and talking with a doctor early are important things you can do at any stage of Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the first signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease?
It may be hard to recognize early-onset Alzheimer’s for many reasons:
- Doctors don’t always look for the disease in younger people
- People may be working, raising families and managing other responsibilities when symptoms begin
- Conditions like vitamin deficiency, thyroid problems and depression can have the same symptoms
As a result, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease can often go undiagnosed. It can also be mistaken for something else. 2 That’s why it’s important to learn the early signs of Alzheimer’s, especially if it runs in your family. The more you know about Alzheimer’s symptoms, the better prepared you will be to find the care you need.
What are the symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease?
Memory loss is a common symptom of later-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It typically affects those older than 65. But memory loss is less likely to be the first sign of early-onset Alzheimer’s.3
The symptoms can be different for everybody. People may notice symptoms like frequent mood swings or difficulty completing everyday tasks. The first signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s may include changes in cognitive or mental functioning: 4
- Personality:
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Irritability
- Wandering
- Behavior:
- Forgetting how to carry out basic tasks (like dressing or bathing)
- Making choices that are poor or out of character
- Misplacing things or getting lost in familiar places
- Language:
- Having trouble finding words to describe objects
- Difficulty expressing thoughts or concentrating and thinking — especially about numbers
If you’ve noticed some of these memory or behavior changes in yourself or a loved one, schedule a visit with your doctor. A medical evaluation can help you learn the cause of symptoms. And your provider can help you find the care you need.
What causes early-onset Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer's is a complicated disease. The exact cause of early-onset Alzheimer’s is unknown. It can also vary from person to person. Researchers think that certain biological changes in the brain may play a role in the development of the disease.
Risk factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer’s include:1, 5
- Inherited factors — like genetics and family health history
- Environmental influences — like air pollution
- Health conditions — like hypertension or diabetes
- Lifestyle choices — like sleep, diet, exercise and smoking
Is early-onset Alzheimer’s disease hereditary?
People often ask, is Alzheimer’s genetic? Early-onset Alzheimer's can be, but not always. If you have a close blood relative (a parent, sibling or child) living with Alzheimer’s, you may be more likely to develop the disease.
Scientists have also found rare genes associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s. People with those genes may be more likely to develop Alzheimer’s symptoms in their 30s, 40s and 50s.5
It’s important to remember that risk factors like family history and genetics can’t tell you whether you’ll develop early-onset Alzheimer's or not. Many people with these risk factors never get the disease.1 If the disease runs in your family, you may be able to learn more through genetic testing. Check with a genetic counselor to see if it’s recommended for you.6
How is early-onset Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?
Early-onset Alzheimer's disease can’t be diagnosed with any one test. A diagnosis is only made after a complete medical evaluation.2
Early signs of Alzheimer’s can also be symptoms of other, more common conditions, like stress and depression. That’s why it’s important to get a correct diagnosis as quickly as possible.1
An early diagnosis can help you and your loved ones find medical care and make important life decisions. You can help your doctor make a correct diagnosis by keeping a list of symptoms and when they occur. Bring the list to your appointments to help your provider understand the symptoms you’re seeing.7
How is early-onset Alzheimer’s disease treated?
Right now, there’s no cure for early-onset or other stages of Alzheimer’s disease. But there is exciting progress being made. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications that may help slow the disease progression.8
Experts are also researching non-medication treatment options that can improve the quality of life for those who currently have early-onset Alzheimer’s. Some of these options include:9, 10, 11
- Music therapy
- Reminiscence therapy (remembering the past)
- Certain types of brain stimulation therapies
Some healthy habits can keep your brain healthy as you get older, which can help lower the risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer’s. These healthy habits include:12
- Getting regular exercise
- Eating healthy foods
- Getting enough sleep
- Learning new things
- Not smoking or quitting smoking
- Spending time with friends and family
If you want to learn more about these options for you or a family member, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about available Alzheimer’s treatments, medicines and healthy lifestyle changes that may help.
When should you see a doctor about early-onset Alzheimer’s disease symptoms?
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you or a loved one is under 65 and experiencing symptoms that are affecting daily life. These symptoms may include memory loss or changes in behavior, personality or language.
While some symptom can be caused by other, more treatable conditions, early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease has many benefits: 13
- Access to treatment and medication options
- Opportunity to participate in clinical trials
- More time to make lifestyle and health changes
- More time to make important life decisions
- Cost savings on medical and long-term care
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