Do you sometimes think, "Oh, I'm forgetting everything these days"? Or have you noticed small changes in the memory or behavior of a friend? Maybe these things are not something to worry about. However, if these things continue to happen even before you get older, it's a good idea to look into it a little. Hearing these things can be a little disturbing, but the most important thing is to be aware of this.
What is Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease?
Simply put, Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease (EOAD) is a type of Alzheimer's disease that develops in people under the age of 65. Doctors sometimes call it young-onset Alzheimer's disease . Most often, these symptoms first appear between the ages of 45 and 64.
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease . That is, it is a disease that damages and destroys the cells in our brain over time. This is the main cause of dementia , which is the gradual loss of memory and intelligence. However, less than 1% of all Alzheimer's patients suffer from early onset dementia (EOAD).
At first, you may have a hard time recognizing the changes in yourself. But those close to you, like your family and friends, may notice subtle changes that you may not notice. If you notice any changes in your memory, thinking, or daily functioning, see a doctor right away.
What are the symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer's?
The symptoms of pre-existing Alzheimer's disease are very similar to those of typical Alzheimer's disease. The main difference is the age at which these symptoms begin to appear. This condition causes a gradual decline in intellectual abilities (progressive cognitive decline) . This means that as the brain is damaged, the symptoms get worse over time.
At first, you may find it difficult to recognize these symptoms yourself. But your loved ones, your family, may notice these small changes. If you or someone you trust notices any of these symptoms of dementia, it is very important to talk to a doctor.
This condition (EOAD) doesn't affect everyone the same way. But in general, it can affect your:
- Memory
- Language skills - speaking and writing
- Reasoning ability
- Behavior and personality
- Spatial awareness - For example, understanding of space.
(EOAD) Symptoms usually start very mildly and get worse over time. In the early stages, you may notice small changes like these:
- Changes in your behavior or personality (especially becoming more irritable or stubborn than before). Imagine that someone who used to be very calm now seems to get angry over small things.
- Difficulty finding the right words when speaking or writing. It feels like words are not coming out of your mouth.
- Memory loss (for example, forgetting people's names, faces, or events that happened at the time). Do you often forget the shopping list you were told to bring? Or do you suddenly forget what you were going to say during a conversation?
- It's hard to solve problems that you would normally be able to do easily.
- Even though instructions have been given (like cooking exactly according to a recipe) , it can be difficult to focus on what to do next and make decisions .
- Problems with vision, balance, and coordination (you may find yourself constantly bumping into furniture or stumbling).
Later, you may notice more severe symptoms, such as:
- Forgetting where you are and how you got there .
- Even worse is memory loss (to the point where you even forget parts of your long-term memory).
- Suspiciousness and distrust of loved ones (even those you say you know well).
- The partial (or complete) loss of the ability to speak and communicate.
What are the causes of early-onset Alzheimer's?
The main cause of premature Alzheimer's disease is the abnormal deposition of proteins in the brain , specifically two types of proteins called amyloid and tau .
You know, our brains have billions of nerve cells called neurons . These nerve cells are what help us think, learn, remember, and plan. So, the amyloid protein sticks together inside the brain cells, forming clumps called plaques . Tau proteins tangle together, forming tangles . These plaques and tangles prevent the nerve cells from working properly. They block the electrical and chemical signals that pass through them.
When amyloid and tau proteins build up in the brain, they slowly kill nerve cells. This is what causes the permanent damage that causes the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The nerve cells start dying in one part of the brain, then spread to other parts. Most often, EOAD starts in the part of the brain that controls our memory - the hippocampus .
Experts are still trying to figure out why these proteins build up. Researchers think that this build-up of proteins happens long before symptoms appear. It could even be as long as 10 years before you start to experience symptoms.
Is early-onset Alzheimer's genetic?
Yes, early-onset Alzheimer's disease can be a genetic condition . Most of these (Early-Onset Alzheimer's disease) conditions have been found to be linked to genetic changes in chromosomes 1, 14, or 21. Also, having the (APOE e4 gene) also increases the risk. But not everyone who has the (APOE e4) gene will develop Alzheimer's. It is only one factor that can increase the risk.
Alzheimer's disease can also run in families. This means that if your parents or siblings have the disease, you are at higher risk of developing it. If two of your siblings or both of your parents have it, your risk is even higher.
What are risk factors?
Researchers are still studying what causes Alzheimer's disease to develop earlier than this age. Some risk factors may include:
- Having Alzheimer's disease in close family members (parents, siblings).
- Environmental factors (something in the environment where you live, work, or frequent).
- Severe head injury (traumatic brain injury) .
- Smoking.
- Your overall health.
Some health conditions can increase the risk of Alzheimer's, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Down syndrome caused by (Trisomy 21)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
What are the complications of early-onset Alzheimer's?
The biggest complication of early-onset Alzheimer's disease is the damage it causes to your brain. It can cause permanent changes to the way you think, the way you use your body, and your personality. As the disease progresses, you may experience complications, some of which can be life-threatening.
These can be seen as complications:
- Deterioration in overall physical health.
- Infections (for example , pneumonia or skin infections).
- Seizures .
- Difficulty breathing.
- Difficulty swallowing.
When you can't control your body, you may be at increased risk for:
- Bedsores .
- Dehydration or malnutrition .
- Falls, broken bones, and other serious injuries.
- Urinary incontinence and bowel incontinence .
- Tooth decay, cavities, and other dental problems.
How is Early-Onset Alzheimer's disease diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose EOAD in the same way they diagnose Alzheimer's disease. They do a complete physical exam and neurological exam . Then, they rule out other conditions that can cause memory problems and other symptoms.
Your doctor will ask you questions to understand your health and daily life. They will also talk to you about changes that you may not notice, but that someone close to you has noticed. Your doctor may ask about:
- Your overall health.
- Your medical history .
- What medications or supplements you are currently taking?
- Changes in your mood, behavior, and personality.
- Your ability to perform your usual tasks.
The doctor will also perform several tests such as:
- Cognitive tests .
- CT scan .
- Brain MRI scan .
- PET scan .
- Blood tests.
- Urine tests.
There is no single test that can confirm or diagnose early-onset Alzheimer's disease. However, with the information gathered from each of these tests, the doctor can rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
What are the treatments for early-onset Alzheimer's disease?
Your doctor will recommend treatments to slow the progression of your dementia , which is the loss of memory and intelligence. There is no cure for any type of Alzheimer's disease . However, treatments can help control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Starting treatment as early as possible is the best way to maintain brain health throughout your life. However, no current treatment can reverse brain damage or cognitive decline.
Your doctor will likely prescribe standard Alzheimer's treatments for EOAD. You may need medications like these:
- (Cholinesterase inhibitors)
- (Donanemab)
- (Lecanemab)
- (NMDA antagonists)
Aducanumab is a relatively new treatment for EOAD. Experts are still studying it. It reduces the amyloid protein that builds up in the brain.
Medication to control specific symptoms
Your doctor may also prescribe medication to control some symptoms. For example:
- Antidepressants : These medications can treat things like anxiety, restlessness, mood swings, and depression.
- (Antipsychotics (neuroleptics)) : These can treat things like paranoia, hallucinations, and agitation .
- (Antiseizure medications) : These medications can sometimes treat mood swings.
Clinical trials
Scientists are constantly researching EOAD and possible treatments. Ask your doctor if there are any clinical trials that might help you. These are tests or studies that involve volunteers with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. These may give you a chance to try new treatments that are not yet widely available.
What is the life expectancy of someone with early-onset Alzheimer's?
Premature Alzheimer's disease affects everyone differently. Some people live for decades. Others die within 10 years of diagnosis. How long you can live depends on factors such as:
- The rate at which your intellectual abilities are deteriorating (cognitive decline) .
- Your age when you were diagnosed with the disease.
- Your overall health and any other illnesses you may have.
Early-onset Alzheimer's disease usually progresses more quickly than regular Alzheimer's disease. This means that you may develop severe symptoms sooner than someone diagnosed after age 65. Talk to your doctor about living with early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD). He or she can help you set realistic goals and expectations.
How do you adapt to living with early-onset Alzheimer's?
Living with early-onset Alzheimer's disease can be really hard. People who develop early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) are usually still working, and may have young families with young children . This can present challenges that people with regular Alzheimer's disease don't. This can be a real challenge, but remember, you are not alone in this journey.
You have the right to seek out the services you need at your workplace. Your doctor can also tell you about other resources that can help you. You can start planning for the future before your symptoms get worse. For example, you may want to consider advanced directives , legal and financial plans.
If you need support, talk to a mental health professional . It's very common for people with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and their families to feel extra stress, anxiety, and sadness , especially after the diagnosis. Those feelings are real and valid, but they don't have to control your life. A mental health professional can help you understand your thoughts and feelings and help you cope with them.
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience any problems with your memory or thinking, see a doctor immediately .
You will need to have regular check-ups with your doctor. He or she will monitor the progress of your condition and adjust your treatment as needed.
You can also ask your doctor questions like these:
- What symptoms or changes should my family and I look out for?
- Is there a way to predict how quickly the disease will progress?
- What is the best treatment for me?
- Can you suggest any community resources that can help my family adjust to this situation?
Everyone forgets little things from time to time, or suddenly forgets what they were going to say while talking. It’s not something to worry about. No one knows your mind and body better than you. But if you’re concerned that your memory or thinking is changing significantly—especially if it’s happening suddenly—see a doctor.
So, what are the most important things we want to take home from this article?
Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease is a serious condition that can affect people under the age of 65. It is very important to seek medical advice immediately if you notice early symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty finding words, and behavioral changes .
Although there is no cure for this condition, early diagnosis and treatment can help control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Remember, you are not alone. There are doctors, mental health professionals, and support groups that can help you and your family cope with this challenge.
Take care of your brain health. If you notice any changes, don't ignore them.
` Alzheimer's, forgetfulness, memory, brain disease, neurological disease, dementia, EOAD
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න