While older age is the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, a less common form of the disease, known as young-onset or early-onset Alzheimer’s, can develop in those under the age of 65. Affecting 5-6% of all people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms often develop in the 40s and 50s. Science doesn’t fully understand why some people get the disease at a younger age.
Most people with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease have the common form of the disease which does not seem to be directly linked to genetics. It progresses in much the same way as in older people, through early, middle and late stages. It is important not to confuse young-onset Alzheimer’s with early-stage as those with young onset can be in any stage of the disease.
In less than 1% of all people with Alzheimer’s disease, young-onset Alzheimer’s can result from mutations in one of three specific genes. When Alzheimer’s is caused by these rare genes it is called familial Alzheimer’s disease and can potentially be passed on to other family members through generations.
Getting an accurate diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer’s is critical but can be challenging as healthcare providers don’t always look for Alzheimer’s in a younger person and the symptoms can be incorrectly attributed to other causes such as stress or depression. Generally, the symptoms of young-onset Alzheimer’s disease are the same as the symptoms experienced by those who get Alzheimer’s at an older age. This includes memory loss, disorientation, difficulty completing familiar tasks and poor judgement.
Younger individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease face unique challenges related to relationships, parenting, employment, driving, finances, and medical benefits. While there is no cure for young-onset Alzheimer’s disease, treatments and support services can be beneficial to quality of life. Under the guidance of a medical professional, these can include medications, speech, occupational and physical therapy and individual counseling. Support groups and activities that encourage physical and cognitive activity can also be beneficial.
