Do All People Get Early Onset Alzheimer’s?
Who Gets Early Onset Alzheimer’s and the Tell Tale Signs of it
Many people in their older years develop Alzheimer’s – this is a common occurrence. Early onset Alzheimer’s however, is not as common. This occurs in men and women in their 40’s and 50’s, whereas just Alzheimer’s occurs usually in people around the age of 65 and older. For those estimated 200,000 people who get diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, it is a bigger shock and life change when the disease is detected, as they are usually in the throws of careers and families, not yet in the mindset of preparing for the aging stage of life.
If you are one who is experiencing early onset Alzheimer’s, do not fear – you are not alone! To get more information and get connected to others going through Alzheimer’s, contact your local chapter or BrightStar Care of Appleton.
Along with these communities, stay in close and constant communication with your doctor/healthcare provider. As early onset Alzheimer’s isn’t as common, it is usually harder to diagnose as doctors are not immediately looking for those signs. Keep in mind that this may be a long and frustrating process, so work together, have patience, make sure to throw out any other possibilities, and again, stay in constant communication with your doctor. Early onset Alzheimer’s and dementia presents itself differently in all people, and can sometimes appear when in the mid or late stages, so be aware of all signs. As soon as you throw out the possibility of over stress or any other diagnosis, it will be easier to tackle your situation and begin managing it right away.
As you are noticing that your memory is fading or not working as well as it used to, speak with your healthcare provider about getting a complete medical test with an Alzheimer’s specialist. At home, start keeping notes on memory loss and other cognitive issues you may be experiencing, and share them with your doctor. Just remember: One test will not be enough to diagnose whether you have early onset Alzheimer’s or not. Make sure to do the full checkup and medical testing to confirm.