A report by Time shows that about 40% of Americans over the age of 55 are at high risk of developing dementia. This highlights the urgency of recognizing early signs to protect brain health.
Dementia is most often associated with old age. However, early onset dementia can affect young adults, disrupting their daily lives and relationships.
But how can you differentiate between typical forgetfulness and early memory loss? What are the symptoms of early onset dementia, both in young adults and seniors?
Learn about early onset dementia and cognitive decline symptoms to watch for.
Understanding Early Onset Dementia
According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, early onset dementia affects people before the age of 65. It’s common to young adults in their 40s and 50s.
Early onset dementia isn’t a normal cognitive decline that shows up in seniors. It can disrupt your life, including:
- Relationships
- Family plans
- Financial plans
- Career
Early onset dementia comes in several stages, which include early, middle, and late stages. Each stage has its own signs, with the early stage having mild signs and the middle stage having moderate symptoms. The late stage has severe symptoms, which pose the risks of other health complications like pneumonia.
Seeking early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which can reverse cognitive decline. Memory care professionals understand dementia diagnosis tips that can determine your condition’s severity.
Causes of Early Onset Dementia
Early onset dementia in young adults starts with early memory loss. Chronic stress and depression are among early memory loss causes. They interfere with the brain’s hippocampus by damaging its neurons.
Alzheimer’s disease also increases the risks of early onset dementia. As this cognitive disorder progresses, it causes protein clumps to build up in the brain. The clumps are known as tau tangles and amyloid plaques.
As they build up, they damage neurons, interfering with normal brain chemistry and connectivity. Failing to seek memory care early can lead to brain shrinkage – after the neurons die.
Excessive consumption of alcohol or abuse of drugs can cause early memory loss. Alcohol and drugs damage the white matter of the brain. White matter is responsible for:
- Connecting the brain’s regions
- Processing and sending information
- Protecting the brain’s nerve fibers
Early memory loss can also result from traumatic brain injury. Sudden impact from an injury may go to the hippocampus, which helps form and store memories.
Early Onset Dementia Symptoms
Dementia symptoms in younger adults vary depending on the causes, stage, or the type of cognitive disorder one has. However, there are signs that may prompt you to take your loved one to a memory care living community. Explore some early onset dementia signs your loved one may show at different stages.
Early Stage
The early stage is where mild cognitive decline starts. Symptoms in this stage are subtle; you may mistake them for normal stress.
A common symptom in the early stage is forgetfulness. You may experience difficulty in remembering recent conversations or events.
Individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment also tend to misplace their items. You may be searching for car keys while holding them.
Disorientation is also one of the cognitive decline symptoms in this stage. You may start:
- Forgetting directions
- Experiencing difficulty in tracking time
- Failing to keep dates
- Failing to understand the purpose of events like outings
- Being confused when in new environments
- Experiencing difficulty in recognizing a familiar environment
Mood changes are also common in the mild cognitive impairment stage. Your loved one may show signs like:
- Increased irritability
- Emotional sensitivity or apathy
- Anxiety
- Restlessness or agitation
- Emotional sensitivity
Moderate or Middle Stage
At this stage, young adults with early onset dementia start experiencing personality changes. They develop uncharacteristic behaviors that damage their relationships and families. Some may become extremely aggressive or withdraw socially.
Increased forgetfulness is also common at this stage. People at this stage tend to repeatedly ask questions about the same issue.
Handling routine chores like cooking, dressing, and washing also becomes challenging. Working individuals tend to procrastinate or fail to complete their tasks.
It also becomes difficult for people with early memory loss to judge distances correctly. As a result, they’re likely to cause accidents when on the road.
You may also find it difficult to engage in social or recreational activities. Social isolation and feelings of loneliness increase, escalating other issues like stress.
Advanced Stage
At this stage, your loved one’s independence will completely diminish. This happens because of a serious deterioration of thinking, memory, and communication abilities.
A common symptom in this stage is severe memory loss. Your loved one starts to forget the faces of other close family members. Individuals in this stage also forget their own names and addresses.
A decline in physical abilities like walking is also common here. This calls for assistance with basic tasks like eating.
How Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities Help
Taking your loved one with early memory loss to a good memory care community allows them to get comprehensive help. Assisted living communities offer personalized care plans tailored to the resident’s unique needs and concerns.
They also have exclusive programs like shared dining and activities that promote socialization. Your loved one can interact with others, leading to a better mood and less anxiety. Improved mood reduces cognitive decline, helping alleviate symptoms of early onset dementia.
Memory care communities have compassionate staff who can boost your loved one’s self-esteem. Higher self-esteem slows cognitive decline by keeping neural pathways active.
What Are the Symptoms of Early Onset Dementia? Finding the Right Help
What are the symptoms of early onset dementia? This question might be lingering in your mind if you’ve got a loved one with cognitive impairment. Early onset dementia is a life-altering experience that requires comprehensive, compassionate care.
SummerHouse Vista Shores, in New Orleans, LA, is the assisted living and memory care community you or your loved one needs to visit. We have a secure and pleasant setting, surrounded by beautiful views that help calm residents with forms of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease. You’ll receive 24/7 professional care from our caregivers as you enjoy our plentiful amenities and vibrant social scene.
Schedule a tour today to learn more about us.
