Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that impairs a person’s cognitive function. Though you may associate this disease with the elderly, it is possible for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease to begin when an individual is as young as 30. By understanding the 10 signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, you can get the support your loved one needs.
Note: This overview was adapted from an article by the Alzheimer’s Association.
- Having Difficulty With Routine Tasks
When a person starts to develop Alzheimer’s disease, what were once familiar chores and actions can become increasingly more difficult. This could include remembering how to get somewhere you have been many times before.
- Feeling Confused About Times or Places
The Alzheimer’s Association says: “People living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia can lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately.” It’s not unusual for people with early-onset Alzheimer’s to not know how they arrived at a certain place.
- Misplacing Items
Everyone loses personal items every now and then. However, people with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease can experience this more often, possibly losing the same items repeatedly. The person might not be able to go over their steps to locate the missing item either.
- Having a Lack of Desire to Be in Social Settings
Alzheimer’s disease can also affect a person’s social health. Another common sign is to withdraw from once comfortable situations that the individual once enjoyed. This could include not wanting to be with friends or not wanting to do their once-favorite activities.
- Experiencing Mood Changes
This condition can also affect a person’s regular personality. If you detect that a family member is having noticeable—sometimes severe—mood swings, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease could be a culprit.
- Having Memory Loss
When a loved one starts to forget important facts and information, early-onset Alzheimer’s could be to blame. This disease can hamper a person’s ability to recall dates, people’s names, and other things he or she has previously learned.
- Struggling With Problem Solving
Following a shopping list or paying a bill should be simple for any adult. However, a person with early-onset Alzheimer’s may not be able to formulate a basic plan or manage a set of instructions or numbers.
- Having Trouble Conversing With People
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, a person might not be able to jump into a conversation. Alzheimer’s can hinder an individual’s ability to come up with a certain word or phrase to say.
- Vision and Balance Problems Can Occur
If you notice that a loved one is having a hard time reading or with depth perception, he or she might have early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The condition can also affect the ability to notice color contrast or make it difficult to drive.
- Exhibiting Poor Judgment
Finally, you may see that a family member or loved one consistently makes poor judgments of simple issues. This could be financial matters or even personal hygiene.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Detecting [Alzheimer’s] disease early can lead to better treatment options. It’s best to look for any of the early warning signs.” Alzheimer’s disease is not a condition to take lightly. By pinpointing these 10 signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and consulting a healthcare professional, you can offer someone you love a better quality of life in the long run.
For additional memory care support or guidance, please contact one of our Grand Brook Memory Care communities today.
