Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

Research reveals that people in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s can have Alzheimer’s. I had always assumed that this disease was a disease of senior citizens. Not so. According to the Mayo Clinic, 200,000 people in the United States have early-onset Alzheimer’s. That number is expected to increase. That’s a lot of problems!

Early-onset of the disease strikes people who are in the prime of life. I look around among my friends and see a nurse who has a 12 year old son. Just think of the problems she would have if the disease struck her. And what about her 12 year old son with a mother who is not functioning normally? He too would have problems and he was not diagnosed with Alzheimer‘s!

I also see a PhD chemical engineer who has two grandchildren. Think of the problems this young grandfather would have with his grandchildren. And what would his wife face? A husband who is now incapacitated with an incurable disease. WOW!

Personal questions arise with early-onset Alzheimer’s. When should the young children be told about the disease? I think of friends in their 40’s and 50’s who have children and wonder how these friends would react to a doctor telling them they have Alzheimer’s. How do we tell a 45-year-old person he or she can not drive and must stay home because of this disease? What about the spouse? Can the spouse find a job that would bring in as much income? What about money for college education of the children? This could be a problem, and finding care for the affected worker, could also be a major problem in the family.

I know of several families who have teenagers. The full force of Alzheimer’s could hit these families when their teenagers are looking to their parents for guidance. These teenagers might question if they have inherited the disease from their parents. If they have, what happens to them? More problems??

A young college age girl asks, “Who will walk me down the aisle at my wedding if daddy has Alzheimer’s and is unable?” College age kids want parent’s advice on their future. Which college is best? What about money for books and tuition? Where will that come from if daddy has Alzheimer’s? Can mama afford to put me through college with daddy‘s added expenses?

Health care providers do not usually look for Alzheimer’s in the under 65 age group. Research indicates that many people with early-onset of Alzheimer’s are already in poor health. It may be months or even years before the correct diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is made. The only accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is an autopsy after death.

Many Alzheimer’s organizations are beginning to develop a picture of this group and are working to increase awareness. Steps are being made to reduce the problems associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The march is on! We’re moving! Watch us!!


This blog was written by a man who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He will be 90 in ‘09. He is a volunteer with Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area.