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November 15, 2013

Fit Facts: Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is normally associated with aging. Risk for the condition climbs after age 65. However, up to 10 percent of people with this disease develop symptoms in their 30s, 40s and 50s. This is called early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Some people have genes that increase their risk. However, most young patients have a more common type of Alzheimer’s that doesn’t include genetic risk factors.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but early treatment can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some warning signs:

  • Trouble doing well-known tasks. People with Alzheimer’s may forget how to do extremely routine and simple activities, such as combing their hair or brushing their teeth.
  • Difficulty with thought and communication. An Alzheimer’s sufferer may forget simple words, or replace one word with another that is clearly wrong. The person’s speech may be hard to understand. Problems with reading, writing and understanding others begin to occur, as well.
  • Loss of orientation in time and space. Those with Alzheimer’s disease could get lost a few blocks from home and not know how they got there.
  • Poor judgment. Beyond simply dressing incorrectly for the weather, a person with Alzheimer’s may do something much more inappropriate, such as wearing pajamas to go shopping.

If you experience any of these symptoms or have similar memory problems, write them down so you can be prepared for your next doctor appointment. You also might ask a friend or family member to record any changes they’ve noticed. A diagnosis can help you get the right treatment.

Sources: Alzheimer’s Association; National Institute on Aging 

 

 

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