Early onset dementia or young-onset is when symptoms of dementia appear when they were under the age of 65. A diagnosis this early has a significant impact on a persons life in many ways. A person who has been diagnosed with early on set Dementia might be concerned how the symptoms affect the individuals finances, career, family, social life, and basic responsibilities. Forgetfulness and emotional highs as a result really could happen at anytime requiring some type of aide either from family or in home care provider. Things like paying bills and other simple tasks could become problematic for people with early onset Dementia
Two to three older people who have Dementia have Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s Disease develops when proteins build up in the brain to form structures called plaques and tangles. This causes the brain cells to die and so affects functions controlled by the brain. (Living with Dementia as a Younger Person, 2024) Younger people are more likely to develop atypical form of Alzheimer’s Disease. Familial Alzheimer’s Disease is a very rare for of Alzheimer’s disease that is caused by genetic mutations. The genes responsible for the mutations are PSEN1, PSEN2 and APP. There is a 50% risk of a parent passing on the familial Alzheimer’s disease mutation to their children. These symptoms usually start in a persons 30s, 40’s or 50s but are only present in 1 in 100 people with Alzheimer’s Disease overall. (Living with Dementia as a Younger Person, 2024) Vascular Dementia is caused by poor blood supply to the brain and is closely linked to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and heart disease. (Living with Dementia as a Younger Person, 2024)
Early on set Dementia is hard to associate with early indicators of the disease. The early indicators get confused with other symptoms and possibilities so they never get diagnosed. After a diagnosis is made though that is when people realize what was happening.(Living with Dementia as a Younger Person, 2024) The assessment process for diagnosing Dementia involves tests of a person’s mental abilities, behaviors and ability to do daily tasks, a full physical exam, and one brain scan. Also there is analysis of the history of symptoms, their daily impact on day to day activities, and comparing other health conditions and how they can be managed. This process also includes a lumbar puncture to help with diagnosis.(Living with Dementia as a Younger Person, 2024)
Early on set Dementia effects all aspects of a persons life including relationships, employment, finances, driving, and other daily activities. Relationships such as marriage relationships, family relationships, work relationships and friendship relationships can all change. After diagnosing Dementia being forgetful and unable to remain active means taking a step back from your social life. Your finances can suffer due to workmanship, communication, and other factors stemming from the symptoms of the disease. Forgetting schedules or appointments means that you can get to work on time or work at all without help from someone. People have reported being fired or receiving complaints about their working style prior to being diagnosed with Dementia. This means having difficulties with mortgage, rent, and other payments. There is help when financial resources are low while being diagnosed with Dementia. Contact Contact Citizens Advice to learn more about finding help with finances.
There is no known cure for Dementia but treatments exist. There are drug and non drug treatments that can help individuals diagnosed with Dementia. There have been more than 17 treatments approved for Dementia since the research began in the 1900’s. These include medication like Donepezil(Aricept), Rivastigmine(Exelon), Galantamine(Razadyne), Memantine(Namenda), Ducanumab(Aduhelm), and Lecandemab(Leqembi). Non-pharmacological treatments like cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), Reminiscence therapy, and behavioral therapies. Supportive therapies like occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and physical therapy. Also there are lifestyle and environmental modifications like a healthier lifestyles and environmental modifications. Read more about Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease treatments at https://championcarecaregivers.odoo.com/blog/blog-1/dementia-and-alzheimer-s-disease-treatment-4blog located in the blog section of the Champion Care website.
Finding the care that you need in 2024 is straightforward and as easy as being a click away. There are immense amounts of information on the internet on diagnosis, treatments, and caregiver service providers. Champion Care is a caregiver service provider that has caregivers who have been previously trained and holding many years of Dementia experience. This is essential for your daily routine while having Dementia. Caregivers can be by your side every step of the way to your yoga class or family event so you don’t have to worry. Even if you forget someone is there to help you through your lapse of memory or moment of hesitation. The price for a caregiver can be covered if you meet specific criteria with Medicare. Private pay care exists as well and out of pocket costs are as cheap as $20.00 per hour. Click on https://championcarecaregivers.odoo.com/blog/blog-1/finding-great-care-25 that takes you to our blog on finding care. For more information on Medicare coverage click on https://championcarecaregivers.odoo.com/blog/blog-1/medicare-eligibility-23 a blog on Medicare eligibility and Medicare.
Citation:
“Living with Dementia as a Younger Person.” Alzheimer’s Society, 19 Mar. 2024, www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/particular-issues-faced-younger-people-dementia.