What is the Difference Between Early Onset Alzheimer’s and Late Onset Alzheimer?

You have suspected dementia for months. 
Perhaps longer if you are honest with yourself.
And now it is confirmed. 

You have had helpful and well-meaning folks call, give you resources and articles to read, and you are grateful. But mostly overwhelmed. There can be such a wealth of information that it can be difficult to make sense of it all. You keep hearing folks talk about “stages” but are unsure what they are referring to (you can check out my post about the stages of Alzheimer here.) 

Early-onset vs. Late-onset Alzheimer’s

Contrary to this belief, there exists a form known as early-onset Alzheimer’s, where individuals under 65 years old are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Late-onset Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, occurs when the diagnosis is made after the age of 65.

Stages and Progression

Folks will often confuse  Early-Onset with the early stages of Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.  Early-stage Alzheimer’s is referring to being at the earlier stage of the disease and is not dependent at what age you are diagnoses. One could be diagnosed at 57 with early-onset but be in the late stages of the disease, emphasizing the importance of understanding the progression of the condition.

Types of Early-onset Alzheimer’s

There are two types of early-onset Alzheimer’s:

• Common Alzheimer’s disease with traditional progression
• Genetic Alzheimer’s disease, which is linked to a familial history. Individuals with a genetic component might start showing symptoms as early as their 30s or 40s.

Challenges of Young-onset Alzheimer’s

Because we understand so little about the disease,  those with young-onset Alzheimer’s face a unique set of challenges, including

• a tough diagnostic process,
• limited resources geared towards older adults,
• the need for specialized support and community-building efforts.

Coping Strategies and Support

Seeking support from both from local Alzheimer’s Association chapters, support groups and finding. a therapist cannot be emphasized enough. I encourage individuals facing young-onset Alzheimer’s to reach out for assistance in coping with day-to-day challenges, balancing life, and maintaining relationships. Folks and their families do not have to struggle through this mystifying and sometimes scary landscape alone. 

Key Takeaways

• Alzheimer’s disease, while common in older adults, can affect individuals under 65 as early-onset Alzheimer’s.
• Early-onset does not necessarily imply early-stage Alzheimer’s; disease progression varies.
• Two types of early-onset Alzheimer’s: common Alzheimer’s disease and genetic Alzheimer’s disease.
• Challenges of young-onset Alzheimer’s include a tough diagnostic process and limited resources.
• Seeking support and community-building efforts are crucial for coping with young-onset Alzheimer’s.

Check out the original Dementia Chat I created.