Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease many people associate with older adults. However, the symptoms of this condition can appear in adults under 65. When this happens, it’s often referred to as “working-age,” “early-onset,” or “younger-onset” Alzheimer’s. Below are some ways Alzheimer’s impacts people of all ages and what can be done to reduce the risk of the disease.
Genetics
Early-onset Alzheimer’s can occur between the ages of 30 and 60 and is often caused by genetic factors. It’s typically referred to as familial Alzheimer’s disease, and it could affect multiple generations.
Just because a family member has been diagnosed with this brain disorder doesn’t mean you or your children will develop either early-onset or late-onset Alzheimer’s. Speak with your primary care physician to learn more about the rare disease, determine your odds of being diagnosed with the condition, and talk about other genetic disorders you could be at risk of developing.
If your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a professional caregiver can help him or her continue to live in the comfort of home. Families looking for top-rated senior care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Symptoms
Some of the most common warning signs younger adults with Alzheimer’s experience in their 30s, 40s, and 50s include difficulty following conversations, problems with impatience, and the inability to solve simple problems at work or inside the home. Younger adults living with this progressive brain disorder may also have difficulty speaking or writing sentences and phrases.
Alzheimer’s impacts people differently, and some individuals experience warning signs that others don’t. However, it would be best if you never dismiss a symptom without speaking to your doctor. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in younger adults is often more challenging to achieve. Still, your doctor can go over the symptoms and conduct other testing to determine what’s causing the problems.
Living with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
Although the disorder can occur in the mid-30s, early-onset Alzheimer’s generally affects people in their 40s and 50s. Most individuals who develop this type of progressive brain disorder continue to work full-time jobs, care for their children or aging parents, and participate in various activities.
The symptoms of younger-onset Alzheimer’s aren’t as severe as those of late-onset Alzheimer’s, making it easier for adults to live active and high-quality lives. The key is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, follow your physician’s recommendations, and make preparations and decisions for the future if you require care from a loved one or home care professional.
Living with Alzheimer’s is significantly more challenging for older adults. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Cincinnati, OH, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Tips for Reducing the Risk
Early-onset Alzheimer’s is progressive and currently has no cure. However, young adults can use the tips mentioned above to live high-quality lives. There are also steps people can take to prevent non-genetic causes of the disease. For example, encouraging your children to live a healthy lifestyle could boost their health and lower their odds of brain disorders in the future. Healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and positive social interactions can boost cognitive health and memory in younger adults. Early intervention could also prevent the condition from progressing rapidly and make life less challenging in the senior years.
The days, weeks, and months following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be challenging for both seniors and their families. However, these challenges can be made less stressful with the help of caregivers trained in professional Alzheimer’s care. Cincinnati Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one enjoy the golden years while simultaneously managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (513) 993-5025 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.
