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Signs & Symptoms of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

Since Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and affects more than 5 million people in the United States, you have more than likely been affected by or know someone affected by the disease. Generally, Alzheimer’s affects adults over the age of 65, since the risk of developing dementia increases as you age. However, up to 5 percent of individuals with Alzheimer’s started showing symptoms of the disease when they were in their 40s or 50s. This is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s, and it’s a lesser-known but very important subset of dementia that has the potential to be overlooked.

“Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease has many symptoms that are similar to stress or depression, so it’s very common for individuals and family members to shrug off the symptoms as something less serious,” says Erica Labb, Executive Director of Bridges®  by EPOCH at Westford. “Unfortunately, this means that many individuals with early-onset Alzheimer’s aren’t diagnosed until the disease has progressed to its mid stages. Since many of the treatments we currently have are most effective during the early stages of dementia, this means we may miss out on the prime time to treat the disease.” It also means, she says, that individuals and their families miss out on opportunities to plan for the future.

“It’s important that everyone understand what early-onset Alzheimer’s looks like so they can be aware of the possibilities and get checked out if they start noticing symptoms,” says Erica. “By raising awareness of this form of Alzheimer’s disease, we hope to help younger people who are diagnosed live the very best quality of life possible.”

The Symptoms of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

Early-onset Alzheimer’s, like the more “standard” form of Alzheimer’s, is a progressive brain disease that can affect each individual differently. This means there is no one “sign” to look for – instead, individuals should be aware of all the potential symptoms that could occur and pay attention to what’s “normal” for them or a loved one. Here are some things to watch for:

Memory loss. 

Problems with memory are a hallmark of dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. Sure, we all forget where we put our keys at one time or another, or we can forget about a conversation we just had. That’s a form of normal aging – and a sign of our incredibly busy lives. However, if memory loss becomes something that’s increasing or starts affecting your daily functioning, that’s a sign for concern. For example, forgetting why you walked into a room every once in a while isn’t a cause to worry – but forgetting how you got somewhere or a significant event should raise red flags.

Difficulty solving problems or making plans. 
When a person has Alzheimer’s disease, logic and reasoning can become compromised. People with early-onset Alzheimer’s may suddenly start having problems paying bills, balancing a checkbook or figuring out a solution to a simple problem. If the person is still in the workforce, this can manifest as not remembering how to manage tasks or forgetting who to invite to a team meeting.

Forgetting how to do familiar tasks. 

Alzheimer’s disease affects concentration as well as critical thinking. Individuals with early-onset Alzheimer’s may start having trouble taking care of daily tasks that require critical thought. This could be as simple as forgetting how to use a familiar system at work, or it can be as dangerous as not remembering how to drive.

Not knowing what time it is or where they are. 

Misunderstanding the passage of time (such as not knowing what month or season it is) and losing track of dates are both common symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s. It can also become difficult to plan for the future – such as putting a vacation itinerary together – because it’s not an event that’s immediately occurring. As Alzheimer’s progresses, the individual can become increasingly forgetful about where they are, why they’re there and how they got there.

Unexplained vision loss. 

Since Alzheimer’s disease affects all parts of the brain, physical attributes like vision can begin to deteriorate. This can be as simple as having trouble reading, or as severe as having issues with depth perception or determining contrast.

Problems finding just the right word.

Conversations can become difficult for people with early-onset Alzheimer’s. They may find it hard to follow conversations when more than one person is talking, or they may not be able to complete a sentence. Oftentimes, he or she may repeat questions or words, and end up substituting similar-sounding words because they’re unable to find the “right” one.

Misplacing items. 

You or a loved one may start losing track of items more and more frequently and not be able to retrace steps to find them. Paranoia can also set in, leading the individual to accuse others of stealing their things or that a trick is being played on them.

Becoming isolated. 

Alzheimer’s disease can cause a person to feel fearful, confused and unsure about the world at large. It’s normal for people with Alzheimer’s to start withdrawing from social events, work projects or activities that they used to love. As the disease progresses, they may practically become a hermit because the outside world is unpredictable and unfriendly.

Mood or personality changes. 

Extreme swings in personality or mood can occur due to the changing brain chemistry you or a loved one are experiencing. The person may become depressed, or confused, or fearful, or anxious, or irritated (especially if their routine is changed).

 Staying Alert and Being Proactive

“Researchers and medical professionals don’t know why early-onset Alzheimer’s develops in some people,” says Erica. “It’s possible that it’s due to a combination of factors, or that individuals with a family history are more susceptible. Whatever the cause, it’s important to be cognizant of the symptoms so that, if you or a loved one notice something ‘off,’ you can take steps to get the care you need.”

Comprehensive Services

At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford, we know no two residents are alike. That’s why we’ve designed our services to address the distinct challenges each resident faces. With comfort, safety and happiness as our top priorities, residents receive unmatched personalized attention, no matter the stage of memory loss.

Community Amenities

Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford features a beautiful residential design. Every inch has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the lives of those with memory loss. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations are placed throughout the community to create a peaceful and secure environment so residents may enjoy great comfort, familiarity and security.

Contact us today to learn more. 

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