What Is Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease?

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that develops prior to age 65. It generally strikes those in their 40s or 50s, but it can happen to someone as early as their 30s. It is estimated that 325,000 people, or one in 20 people with Alzheimer’s disease, have early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. However, a comprehensive compilation of studies released by Alzforum indicates prevalence may be higher.

For most people with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms closely mirror those of other forms of Alzheimer’s disease, experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine note. The disease also progresses through the same stages of dementia as it does in people diagnosed after age 65.

Like the majority of dementias, the cause of early-onset Alzheimer’s is unknown. According to a study published in Oncotarget in 2018, genetic mutations may be a cause. But those mutations are rare, found in only 1% of people diagnosed with the disease. Genetic testing is available to those with a family history of early-onset Alzheimer’s. But the presence of abnormal genes does not always lead to development of the disease.

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Early-onset Alzheimer’s is often misdiagnosed. There are no diagnostic tools available to confirm it, and since it is uncommon among middle-aged adults, physicians can easily overlook it as a possible cause for cognitive decline. If you are experiencing cognitive symptoms, your doctor will administer cognitive testing of memory and other mental skills. They may also prescribe blood tests, urine tests, and CT or MRI scans of the brain. You may be referred to a neuropsychologist for further evaluation. 

If you suspect you or a loved one has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends patients or caregivers contact a local chapter to find someone who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease in their area. Proper diagnosis is crucial for you and your family. Since most people diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s have a professional career, family obligations, and may be caregivers themselves, planning is essential. Financial and legal decisions must be made, as well as strategizing future care as the disease progresses.

With that being said, disease progression varies. Life expectancy for those with early-onset Alzheimer’s is unknown. But a wide range of 8 to 20 years of life is projected, similar to those with Alzheimer’s disease that develops later in life. As there may be a stigma attached to a diagnosis at such a young age, seek out family, friends, and your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter for support.  Clinical trials are underway to better understand the genetic, biological and clinical processes involved in younger-onset Alzheimer’s, so experts can develop better treatments in the future. Learn more about The Longitudinal Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Study to see if you or a loved one may qualify to participate.

Sources

“Estimates of Young-Onset Dementia Prevalence Just Doubled”. AlzForum. https://www.alzforum.org/news/research-news/estimates-young-onset-dementia-prevalence-just-doubled 

“Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease”. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/alzheimers-disease/earlyonset-alzheimer-disease 

“The genes associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease”. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5871104/ 

“Get Involved with Your Local Chapter”. Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/local_resources/find_your_local_chapter 

“LEADS Longitudinal Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Study”. Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/leads/overview.asp