How to tell if you have early onset dementia? A guide to recognizing signs

While dementia is more common in older adults, approximately 200,000 Americans under age 65 have young-onset or early onset dementia. Recognizing the subtle differences from normal aging is critical for early diagnosis and intervention. This authoritative guide will help you understand the warning signs and the importance of seeking a professional evaluation.

Quick Summary

Recognizing early onset dementia symptoms involves observing changes in memory, communication, personality, and executive function that are beyond typical age-related changes. These signs often interfere with daily life, and while they can be subtle, they warrant a medical evaluation to determine the cause and pursue treatment. Early diagnosis can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Key Points

• Subtle Changes, Not Just Forgetfulness: Early onset dementia involves more than typical memory lapses. Look for consistent, disruptive changes in memory, communication, and thinking.

• Behavioral Shifts Can Be a First Sign: Some types, like FTD, present with noticeable changes in personality, mood, or judgment before significant memory loss occurs.

• Professional Diagnosis is Essential: A definitive diagnosis requires a comprehensive medical evaluation, including cognitive tests, brain imaging, and blood work, to rule out other conditions.

• Actionable Steps Exist After Diagnosis: An early diagnosis allows for strategic planning, treatment options to manage symptoms, and accessing valuable support resources.

• Lifestyle Can Play a Role: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and social engagement is crucial for managing symptoms and overall well-being.

• Not an Inevitable Part of Aging: Many conditions mimic dementia symptoms, so it’s important not to self-diagnose but to consult a healthcare provider for clarity and treatment.

What is Early Onset Dementia?

Early onset dementia, also known as young-onset dementia, refers to any form of dementia diagnosed in a person under the age of 65. Unlike the common perception of dementia as an older person's disease, this condition can affect individuals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. The challenge with early onset is that its symptoms are often mistaken for stress, depression, or midlife challenges, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Common causes of early onset dementia

While the symptoms can be similar to those in older adults, the underlying causes of early onset dementia can vary. The most frequent causes include:

• Alzheimer's Disease: Still the most common cause, even in younger individuals.
• Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): This type affects the frontal and temporal lobes, causing pronounced changes in personality and behavior, or language difficulties, and is more common in younger patients.
• Vascular Dementia: Resulting from damage to the blood vessels in the brain, often caused by strokes or other circulatory issues.
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB): Characterized by protein deposits in the brain, which can cause fluctuating cognition, hallucinations, and movement problems.
• Other conditions: Including Huntington's disease, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injury can also be contributing factors.

Key Symptoms to Monitor

Identifying the earliest symptoms of early onset dementia requires careful observation, as they can be subtle and easily overlooked. Below are several areas where you might notice changes in yourself or a loved one.

Cognitive changes

Changes in cognitive function are the most recognized signs of dementia. They are not simply occasional forgetfulness but persistent issues that disrupt daily routines.

• Memory loss: More than just forgetting a name, it involves forgetting newly learned information or recent events frequently.
• Difficulty with complex tasks: Struggling with previously familiar tasks, such as managing a budget or following a recipe.
• Challenges in planning or problem-solving: Inability to create or follow a plan, or increased difficulty making decisions.
• Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or where you are and how you got there.

Behavioral and psychological changes

For some types of early onset dementia, like Frontotemporal Dementia, behavioral changes can be the first sign. These shifts are often more prominent than memory issues at the beginning.

• Personality and mood changes: Sudden shifts to being more irritable, withdrawn, apathetic, or anxious for no apparent reason.
• Loss of interest: Withdrawing from hobbies, work, or social activities previously enjoyed.
• Poor judgment: Making poor decisions with money, dressing inappropriately for the weather, or showing reduced social awareness.

Communication difficulties

Verbal and written communication can become increasingly challenging.

• Trouble with words: Difficulty finding the right word, frequently stopping mid-sentence, or substituting inappropriate words.
• Struggling to follow conversations: Finding it hard to follow or join a conversation.

Physical symptoms

Depending on the type of dementia, physical symptoms can also manifest early on.

• Changes in movement: Issues with balance, coordination, or gait, potentially leading to increased falls.
• Visual and spatial problems: Difficulty with depth perception, interpreting visual images, or judging distances, which can impact driving ability.

Distinguishing Early Dementia from Normal Aging

It's easy to dismiss early signs as part of the normal aging process, but key differences exist. This table helps compare the two.

Signs of Early Dementia	Normal Age-Related Changes
Forgetting recently learned information and not recalling it later.	Forgetting a name or appointment but remembering it later.
Inability to manage a budget, even with reminders.	Making an occasional error when balancing a checkbook.
Inability to complete familiar daily tasks.	Occasionally needing help with technology or a complex task.
Frequently becoming lost in familiar places or forgetting how you got somewhere.	Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
Difficulty joining or following a conversation; repeating questions or stories.	Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

The Diagnostic Process

If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent symptoms, it's crucial to seek a medical evaluation. A definitive diagnosis requires a comprehensive approach, as there is no single test for early onset dementia. The diagnostic process typically involves:

• Medical History: A doctor will review your medical history and discuss the symptoms you are experiencing.
• Physical and Neurological Exam: This includes checks of your senses, reflexes, balance, and other functions to rule out other conditions.
• Cognitive Tests: These assess your memory, thinking, language, and problem-solving abilities.
• Brain Imaging: Scans like MRI or PET can help rule out other causes and detect specific patterns associated with different types of dementia.
• Lab Tests: Blood or spinal fluid tests can help rule out other conditions that can mimic dementia, such as vitamin deficiencies or infections.

What to do next

Receiving a potential or confirmed diagnosis of early onset dementia can be overwhelming. However, several steps can be taken to manage the condition and plan for the future.

• Communicate openly: Talk with family and friends about your concerns and wishes. Early stages are the best time to discuss future care and financial plans while you are still fully capable of making decisions.
• Seek support: Resources like the Alzheimer's Association provide invaluable support, education, and services for individuals and their families. Don't hesitate to reach out for help.
• Plan for the future: Create legal documents such as a power of attorney and a living will to ensure your preferences for medical care are known.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Engage in physical activity, eat a nutrient-rich diet, stay mentally active, and maintain social connections to help manage symptoms and promote overall well-being.

Conclusion

Understanding how to tell if you have early onset dementia begins with recognizing the subtle, persistent changes that distinguish it from normal age-related shifts. By monitoring cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms, and seeking prompt medical evaluation, individuals can receive an accurate diagnosis. Early intervention and planning are key to managing the condition, maximizing quality of life, and preparing for the future. Remember, a formal diagnosis can only be made by a qualified healthcare professional, so consulting a doctor is the most crucial step.

Visit the Alzheimer's Association website for more resources and support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between early onset and typical dementia?

The primary difference is age of diagnosis. Early onset dementia is diagnosed before age 65, whereas typical dementia is diagnosed in older adults, usually over 65. The symptoms can be similar, but early onset may have more prominent behavioral or language changes depending on the cause.

What is the most common first sign of early onset dementia?

While memory loss is a hallmark symptom, it is not always the first. Other common initial signs can include mood swings, personality changes, difficulty with planning or organizing, and trouble finding the right words during conversations.

How do doctors diagnose early onset dementia?

There is no single test. Doctors conduct a series of assessments, including a review of medical history, cognitive tests, neurological exams, brain scans (MRI, PET), and lab tests (blood, spinal fluid) to rule out other conditions and identify the type of dementia.

Can early onset dementia be treated?

While there is no cure, some treatments can help manage symptoms and slow cognitive decline, depending on the cause. These include medications, cognitive training, and therapy. A healthy lifestyle also plays a crucial role.

What should I do if I am concerned about early onset dementia?

The first step is to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional, such as your primary care physician or a neurologist. Provide them with a detailed account of your symptoms and any changes you or your loved ones have noticed.

Is early onset dementia hereditary?

In most cases, it is not. However, a small number of early onset cases are caused by a single gene mutation, which is often inherited. Having a family history of dementia can also increase your risk.

Can other conditions be mistaken for early onset dementia?

Yes, many treatable conditions can mimic dementia symptoms. These include depression, vitamin deficiencies, infections, thyroid problems, and excessive alcohol use. This is why a proper medical evaluation is so important.