Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and other memory problems can be life-changing, both for those living with cognitive decline and their caretakers. If you or a family member are living with this disease, you may benefit from the memory care services at Fox Trail Memory Care Living. We provide a safe and secure environment for residents requiring more support. Our small and intimate communities help those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease live their lives to the fullest. Here, our team discusses early-onset Alzheimer’s and the resources we offer to our residents with the condition.
Understanding Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is a subtype of Alzheimer’s disease—the most common form of dementia—that causes symptoms to develop when a person is in their 40s or 50s. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, and difficulty completing familiar tasks.
Most types of Alzheimer’s have identical symptoms, but there are a few differences:
- Common Alzheimer’s disease: This is the most prevalent type. In younger people, the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease are the same as in older people.
- Genetic (familial) Alzheimer’s disease: This type is rare and found only in a few hundred people with genes that contribute directly to Alzheimer’s.
Causes and Risk Factors
Scientists have yet to determine what exactly causes early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. They suspect that two proteins in the brain mutate or fold incorrectly, damaging and killing nerve cells. They’ve also isolated three genes that cause Alzheimer’s disease to develop:
- Amyloid precursor protein (APP): This is located on chromosome 21.
- Presenilin 1 (PSEN1): This can be found on chromosome 14.
- Presenilin 2 (PSEN2): This is located on chromosome 1.
While mutations in these genes are rare and account for only a small number of cases, they are the only known risk factors. However, if a child has a biological parent who carries a genetic variant on one of these genes, they have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the altered version. If they inherit the altered version, they have a strong probability of developing early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Signs and Symptoms
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly seven million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers and doctors don’t know how many people have early-onset Alzheimer’s because it often goes undiagnosed. People at this age may not seek medical attention because they attribute the symptoms to stress. Additionally, other conditions can cause the same symptoms. Doctors must rule those out before making a diagnosis.
There are many symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s you need to be aware of:
- Memory loss: This is the most common symptom. You or a loved one may forget more than usual, ask the same questions repeatedly, and need frequent reminders.
- Difficulty with problem-solving or planning: Early-onset Alzheimer’s can make it difficult to follow a plan or instructions. It may also cause problems with numbers, such as counting or basic math.
- Concentration problems: Tasks requiring critical thinking or day-to-day habits may take longer. Additionally, someone with Alzheimer’s may get lost while driving a familiar route.
- Losing track of time: Not knowing what day it is or how much time has passed are other common symptoms. A person may also forget where they are or why they are there.
- Vision problems: Alzheimer’s may cause difficulty reading, differentiating between colors, or judging distance.
- Trouble with words: Conversations may become difficult. Someone with Alzheimer’s may have difficulties finishing a sentence, finding the right words, or naming an object.
- Misplacing items: You or a loved one may start losing items. You may put them in abnormal places or have a hard time retracing your steps.
- Poor decision-making: Alzheimer’s can affect someone’s decision-making abilities. They may start spending lots of money, donate large sums of money to scammers, practice poor hygiene, or be unwilling to bathe.
- Withdrawing: Cognitive decline can make a person hesitant to engage in social events they used to love. They may stop showing up at family functions or withdraw from hobbies.
- Personality changes: Mood swings and personality changes are common. You may notice an increase in confusion, suspicion, depression, anxiety, irritability, and fearfulness.
If you notice any of these symptoms in you or a loved one, contact a doctor.
Resources Available at Fox Trail Memory Care Living
At Fox Trail Memory Care Living, we strive to provide our residents and their caregivers with the Alzheimer’s care services they need to live enriched lives. We understand that even in its early stages, Alzheimer’s can place a strain on residents and their families. Our communities and professionally trained staff offer amenities and activities tailored to residents at any stage.
Key features include:
- Personalized health and wellness programs
- 24/7 support and emergency response
- Fully furnished private apartments
- Pet therapy
- Group exercise activities
Our residents also benefit from our innovative SPARK! program. This exclusive lifestyle program brings energy and well-being into our communities. It embodies our mission of being connected in every way. We provide resident-centered care, intergenerational pathways, and strengths-based programming to connect our residents and families with our community authentically.
We also offer respite care for short-term stays and transitional periods. This program allows us to give caregivers a well-deserved break.
Schedule a Tour for Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Care
Caring for someone with early-onset Alzheimer’s can be tough. You and your loved one deserve support. At Fox Trail Memory Care Living, we offer the community you need to feel at home. To learn more about our care homes in northern or central New Jersey or schedule a tour, contact us today.