Once commonly known as a disease affecting seniors ages 65 and older, young-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease continue to draw attention for their impact on middle-aged adults and their families. In this article, we’ll explore a few key facts about this rather uncommon disease, discuss options for support, and look at how a memory care community can help.
How Common is Young-Onset Dementia?
Young-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (a form of dementia) affect individuals younger than age 65. Doctors still do not understand why most cases of young-onset dementia appear at such a young age. Receiving an accurate diagnosis of this earlier-appearing disease can be even more complex, as symptoms can often be related to stress or depression.
Who is Affected?
Mayo Clinic estimates about 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older in the United States has Alzheimer’s disease, while about 110 of every 100,000 adults between the ages of 30 and 64 have young-onset, or early-onset Alzheimer’s. These are often individuals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, at the peak of their careers. Many may still be caring for school-aged children at home or an aging parent struggling with the same disease.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of young-onset dementia or Alzheimer’s is not to be confused with a diagnosis of early dementia. Young-onset dementia refers specifically to the age at which an individual is diagnosed with the disease, while early dementia refers to the early stages of the disease itself. When signs and symptoms lead to a diagnosis of the disease before age 65, an individual is considered to have young-onset dementia.
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of young-onset Alzheimer’s or dementia may be recognized differently in middle-aged adults, but typically include:
- Memory problems that interfere with everyday life, like forgetting a meeting, a recent event, or repeating questions or information.
- Changes in mood, personality, and behavior, which may be subtle at first but form patterns of irritability.
- A loss of interest and confidence in activities once enjoyed.
- Confusion in unfamiliar situations or with time and place.
- Language difficulties with word retrieval and communication.
- Difficulties with planning and problem-solving which make everyday tasks like driving, paying bills, and cooking more complicated.
Genetic Risk Factors
The Alzheimer’s Association notes that “the majority of people with young-onset dementia have sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of Alzheimer’s and not attributed to genetics.” Most researchers agree, however, that genetics plays a role.
- Risk genes: These genes can increase the likelihood of developing a disease but do not always guarantee it will happen.
- Deterministic genes: These genes directly cause a disease, guaranteeing that anyone who inherits them will develop the disorder.
Individuals with a parent or grandparent with young-onset Alzheimer’s have an increased risk of developing the disease, however, family history doesn’t guarantee a person will develop the disease.
Other Risk Factors
A recent study published in December 2023 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Neurology identified several factors linked to a higher risk of young-onset dementia. Highlights from the study were shared in a January 2024 Harvard Medical School article by Dr. Andrew E. Budson.
Some risk factors observed in the study known to cause or strongly suspected of causing dementia included:
- Being socially isolated – Social isolation is a major risk factor, as fewer social interactions mean less healthy brain activity.
- Genes: Carrying two apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 alleles – is a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Being diagnosed with alcohol use disorder – Excessive alcohol use is associated with damage to several parts of the brain.
- Not getting enough vitamin D – A lack of vitamin D can lead to more viral infections, which can increase the risk of dementia.
- Not hearing well – Not hearing well can result in reduced brain stimulation and social interaction. However, hearing aids may help.
- Previously having had a stroke – A stroke directly damages the brain, which can lead to vascular dementia.
- Having heart disease – Heart disease is a major factor in strokes, which can lead to vascular dementia.
- Having diabetes, if you’re a man – Middle-aged men are more likely than middle-aged women to have a diabetes-related mini-stroke, which can also lead to vascular dementia.
Reducing The Risk
Considering these risk factors, the article outlines five steps adults can take to reduce their risk of developing dementia before age 65.
Seek opportunities to socialize with others regularly.
- Don’t drink alcohol to excess.
- Be sure to get enough vitamin D. Your body can make its own vitamin D if your skin is exposed to sunlight (without sunblock). A vitamin D supplement may be discussed with your doctor.
- Utilize a hearing aid if you are not hearing well.
- Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy body weight, and talk with your doctor to reduce your risk of strokes, heart disease, and diabetes.
Support for Caregivers and Individuals with Young-Onset Dementia
The impact of young-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s can present many challenges. Thankfully, many resources and groups are available to help families, caregivers, and their loved ones.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers planning information for navigating a diagnosis of young-onset dementia. Tips for managing loss of income securing benefits and insurance coverage, to handling family roles are available. To find your local chapter, visit www.alz.org or utilize their 24/7 helpline by calling 800-272-3900.
How a Memory Care Community Can Help
Many assisted living and memory care communities provide multi-level support for individuals with a young-onset dementia diagnosis. In addition to offering supportive living options for adults with this progressive disease, communities create daily opportunities for social interaction, which is critical to maintaining healthy brain activity.
Senior living communities connect families to a network of resources, such as specialized dementia-care programs, caregiver support groups, self-care and wellness events, community partnerships, and more. Families who rely on a memory care community’s expertise in caring for their loved ones benefit from enhanced peace of mind and personalized guidance through each stage of the disease.
Resources to Help
For people living with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or memory loss, it is the sense of emotional, spiritual, and physical security that is so important to them and their families. Edgemere’s private, secured memory care community offers dedicated and dignified care to these individuals.
Contact us today to find the support you need and learn more about Edgemere’s award-winning memory care and community living options.
