Does Alzheimer’s Disease Affect Only Older Adults?

Alzheimer’s disease is often viewed as a condition that only affects the elderly. While it’s true that the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are over the age of 65, there are some younger people who develop this condition. Learning more about who is most at risk for developing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can help your family make important decisions when a loved one begins to experience changes in the way he or she thinks and behaves.

Risk Factors for Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

Aging is the primary risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s later in life, but there are other known potential causes. Genetics may play a role in who develops the disease, and families with members who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at an early age should be aware that other family members may have a higher risk of developing the disease. People who have other health conditions that affect their brain’s functioning are also at risk for developing early-onset Alzheimer’s. For example, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain that causes memory loss. If your lovedone 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 homecare providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for people with serious health conditions and their loved ones.

How Alzheimer’s Progresses

Developing Alzheimer’s before the age of 65 is difficult for many people to handle at first. While it may not be the diagnosis someone wants to hear, it does help to know that an early diagnosis offers the best chance to slow down the progression of the disease. Alzheimer’s disease progresses through different stages, and most people who are diagnosed at an early age will be in the first or second stage. This is a time when people can do many things to preserve their memory and other cognitive abilities. Younger adults also tend to find this gives them more time to begin talking to their families about their preferences for long-term care once they reach the later stages of the disease. 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 Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care Winnipeg, MB, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Challenges Younger Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease Face

Although it’s rare, Alzheimer’s disease can strike while someone is in his or her thirties or forties. People who are under the age of 65 face challenges with the disease that may be different from people who are older. For example, they might currently still be working. Managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s while trying to maintain a career or raise children comes with a whole different set of difficulties compared to those that someone who is retired faces. 

What to Do When You Suspect Someone Has Alzheimer’s

The best thing to do when someone has Alzheimer’s symptoms at an early age is to seek a diagnosis. There are other health conditions that can mimic Alzheimer’s disease, and your loved one needs to find out if he or she has Alzheimer’s before the condition worsens. If your loved one does receive an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, don’t despair. Young adults with early-onset Alzheimer’s can live full and long lives, provided they follow their treatment plans. Arranging for assistance at home can also reduce the strain that having early-onset Alzheimer’s puts on your loved one’s life.  While caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, families don’t have to go through it alone. The days, weeks, and months following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be challenging for both people with the disease and their families. However, these challenges can be made less stressful with the help of caregivers trained in professional Alzheimer’s care. Winnipeg Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one enjoy a high quality of life while simultaneously managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (204) 489-6000.