Early onset Alzheimer's disease is rare. A person diagnosed with Alzheimer's before the age of 65 is considered to have early onset, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms are the same as regular Alzheimer's disease. Nearly 400,000 people in the U.S. suffer from early onset Alzheimer's, reports the Alzheimer's Association.
Cause
Early onset Alzheimer's often runs in families. The MayoClinic.com reports those with early onset also have a parent or grandparent who was diagnosed at a young age. There are three genes specifically linked to the disease. Genetic counseling is advised if a person decides to get tested for the genes.
Effects
A person with early onset Alzheimer's may still have small children in the home, work a full-time job or even be a primary caregiver for an older parent. Eventually a person may not be able to continue working, and the loss of income can cause financial strain.
Misconceptions
According to MayoClinic.com, some people feel early onset Alzheimer's progresses at a faster rate than the regular condition. The clinic states this may be a misconception. Some patients are admitted into care facilities earlier because spouses must be primary care providers to children or work full time, explains the clinic.
