Early-onset Alzheimer's is a diagnoses of the disease in patients under the age of 65. Early-onset is diagnosed for 5 to 10 percent of Alzheimer's patients. According to a 2008 CBS Evening News report, the youngest person diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's was 17; however, the usual age ranges between 40 and 60 years old. People with early-onset Alzheimer's are affected differently than a person diagnosed later in life. A person may still have small children in elementary school, be working full time and be physically fit. Physical symptoms are typical of Alzheimer's disease in general, but will occur at an earlier age.
Genetic Mutation
Some families carry a genetic mutation that is found to cause early-onset Alzheimer's. Many times several members of a family are diagnosed with the condition, as seen in the PBS documentary "The Forgetting." The genetic mutation is rare, occurring in 2 to 5 percent of Alzheimer's victims. The genetic mutation can be passed to children, giving them a 50 percent chance of being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's later in life. Getting tested for the genetic mutation to see if early-onset Alzheimer's runs in the family is available. Dr. Glenn Smith, neuropsychologist at The Mayo Clinic, highly recommends genetic counseling to help make the decision.
Emotional Reaction
Because a person with early-onset Alzheimer's is still physically active and often has family obligations, the reaction to a diagnosis can be different. Depression, the feeling of being powerless and unable to control your future are common. A person may be married and have an active social life. Some victims may also be a caregiver of an elderly parent.
Tangles and Plaques
According to The Cleveland Clinic, an increase in neurofibrillary tangles and buildup of plaque are seen in early-onset Alzheimer's. Though the tangles and plaques are commonly seen in the disease in general, the clinic suggests those diagnosed with early-onset have a higher amount. However, the plaques and tangles cannot be identified until someone with Alzheimer's has died, and the brain can be examined.
General Symptoms
General symptoms of the usual Alzheimer's disease occur but at a younger age. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion and forgetfulness. A person may first notice these when problems completing assignments at work surface. Working with numbers or solving challenging situations may be impossible. Driving to familiar locations, for example to a regularly visited grocery store or even home, cannot be completed. A person may have difficulty driving due to trouble with vision problems and comparing distances. A person can withdrawal socially because she understands the changes happening to her body and wants to avoid social embarrassment.
