Early Onset Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimer's disease can be devastating at any age. It creates a multitude of problems and challenges for the individual affected. It does the same for the sufferer's family and/or caregivers.

Even so, as a society, we have basically accepted that this form of dementia is a possibility among the elderly, and we have some experience in recognizing the signs and dealing with it. But what about when it affects somebody who is in the prime of his or her life? Someone whom others may depend on? What I'm referring to is a relatively uncommon form of the disease known as early onset Alzheimers disease or early onset dementia.

Facts about early onset Alzheimer's disease

Early onset Alzheimers in most cases is a less common occurrence of the normal form of Alzheimer's that affects people before they are 65 years old. The United States Alzheimer's Association's report on early onset Alzheimer's reveals that up to 10 percent of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, have early onset Alzheimer's. It can begin as early as the 30's, but it is more common in the 40's and 50's.

Early onset Alzheimers symptoms and warning signs are the same as in late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The cause is somewhat similar but with some key outcome differences. Because someone afflicted with early onset Alzheimers is much younger, he or she is usually still employed, and is often engaged in caring for others - children or elderly parents - who depend upon him or her. This compounds the problems that are normally associated with Alzheimer's disease, as you can well imagine.

Understanding your health insurance and income protection insurance (if held)

Understanding the cover that is applicable from your health insurance and income protection insurance is absolutely vital for your family finances. Written professional advice of a Certified Financial Planner should be sort.

Special Problems

In the Alzheimer's Association publication on Early Onset Dementia: "A National Challenge, A Future Crisis" one of the key findings was that people can lose their jobs as a result of undiagnosed early onset Alzheimers, which may be mistaken for carelessness or wilful non-performance, rather than a disability or illness.

As far as relationships and families are concerned, the effects of undiagnosed early onset dementia may be equally tragic. Spouses and medical personnel may suspect an array of mental illnesses as being culpable for the confusion, strange behavior, forgetfulness, and inability to cope with important challenges.

Worse yet, families may believe the person suffering from early onset Alzheimers just isn't trying very hard or doesn't care.

It can take a long time to eliminate other possible causes for the symptoms. In the meantime, a great deal of damage to family finances and relationships - sometimes irreparable - can occur. This is why detection of early onset Alzheimers or other forms of dementia is so important.

It is very important for individuals and their dependents that they don't leave their jobs without diagnosis because they may be denied assistance from an employer's health insurance scheme that would normally be available for other disabilities.

In addition, it appears to be much more difficult to qualify for disability benefits or other assistance. It may take longer and require more documentation than with other disabilities. In the United States Alzheimer's Association study of early onset dementia patients, one of the most disturbing findings was that many sufferers or their families did not apply for government disability payments for which they were eligible. Either because it was too hard to apply, or they were not aware of the available benefit program, or they were unaware that a person with dementia has a qualifying disability.

What is the Risk Factor of Developing Early Onset Alzheimers Disease?

The Alzheimer's Association's material on Early Onset Alzheimers states that up to 10 percent of people with Alzheimer's have Early Onset which in the United States that is about 400,000 people. It is important to again emphasize that Early Onset is defined as affecting people under age 65 and many of these people are in their 40s and 50s.

The 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures (The Report) publication states that the causes of a person developing Alzheimer's Disease has multiple factors rather than a single cause and the greatest risk factor is advancing age. It is not known why Early Onset Alzheimers Disease occurs as most Early Onset cases are common types of Alzheimer's not directly linked to genes. In fact, The Report states on page 7, that probably less than 1 percent are caused by rare genetic variations found in a small number of families worldwide.

It is very clear that the Alzheimer's Association campaign of early detection is important. If you have concerns that you or a family member has a higher than normal risk factor of developing Alzheimer's Disease or another form of dementia it is very clear that you need to know the signs of dementia and speak to your family doctor about your concerns. There are tests available to test for a genetic disposition to Alzheimer's, but this is rare.

How You Can Help a Loved One

There are medications available that may help to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, but their success has been limited.

One crucial way to help is in planning for the future, (along with the person affected), during the early stages of the disease while he or she still has a strong connection with reality.

Other great ways to help are: reminding the person of events and obligations that need to be met, orienting the person to the present through the use of calendars and clocks, and involving the person in a memory improvement program and mind strengthening activities like puzzles and memory games.

The greatest difference you can make in the life of someone with early onset Alzheimers symptoms is helping them achieve early diagnosis and plan for the future. This often requires your unconditional love, support and patience to help them achieve early diagnosis and apply for their disability benefits. It won't always be easy, but love is a powerful motivator.

The appropriate link to the United States Social Security Administration's website is http://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances

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