A person suffering from early-onset dementia shows symptoms of the dementia before the age of 65. Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses, which cause a progressive decline in a person's mental functioning. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Still, early-onset dementia may be caused by other conditions including neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders.
Cause
Early-onset dementia disease often runs in families. A person whose parent or grandparent was diagnosed with the condition has an increased risk of developing dementia. Many people with early-onset Alzheimer's inherited one of three genes linked the disease. Other medical conditions such as lupus and multiple sclerosis may also be linked to early-onset dementia.
Symptoms
Symptoms include memory loss, confusion and changes in a behavior. A person may feel anxious or restless. Common tasks, such as grocery shopping or microwaving a meal, become difficult to someone suffering from early onset dementia. Myoclonus, or severe muscle twitching and spasms, is common in early-onset Alzheimer's patients.
Considerations
A person diagnosed with early-onset dementia is often still working full time and possibly raising a family. Most patients have no physical ailments. Many people react differently to being diagnosed with the progressive memory condition at a young age. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a person may become depressed, feel powerless or become easily frustrated.
