Early-onset Alzheimer’s is a rare dementia that affects people under the age of 60, and signs usually appear much earlier.
Specialists aren’t sure why some people develop the disease at a younger age than others.
In early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, an accurate diagnosis is essential. It is important to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms, which can be treated, and to start the appropriate treatment.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is caused by any one of a series of single-gene mutations on chromosomes 21, 14, and 1. Each of these mutations causes abnormal proteins to form. Mutations on chromosome 21 cause the formation of an abnormal amyloid precursor protein.
People with close relatives with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease. When diseases tend to run in families, hereditary or environmental factors may be important.
Alzheimer’s is hereditary, although 99% of cases are not inherited.
People with Alzheimer’s disease live an average of four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live up to 20 years, depending on other factors.
Most people with early-onset Alzheimer’s develop symptoms of the disease between the ages of 30 and 60, which affect memory, thinking, and behavior and worsen over time, until they are severe enough to interfere with normal tasks. These symptoms would be the following:
- Omission of newly learned information
- Confusion about time and place
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks
- Difficulty understanding visual images
- Problems with speech and decision making.
- Judgment problems
- Changes in behavior, such as feeling sad, scared, or angry for no reason.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a neurologist.
To prevent this disease, some of these indications can be followed: Maintain a balanced diet, containing vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, especially the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids. Practice physical activity and participate in social activities.
