Alzheimers what age can you get it

Biomarkers are proteins in the body, or other types of markers, that reliably indicate the progress of a disease. Early-onset Alzheimer disease currently has no cure. But healthcare providers have been successful in helping people maintain their mental function, control behavior, and slow the progress of the disease.

Results have been mixed, but these medicines seem to help people with their symptoms for anywhere from a few months to a few years. Other treatments that may play a role in slowing the progress of early-onset Alzheimer disease include physical activity, cardiovascular and diabetes treatments, antioxidants, and cognitive training.

A number of studies are ongoing in this area, and researchers are learning new things about Alzheimer disease every day. Recently, some evidence showed that detecting the disease early can lead to better treatment options. Early-onset Alzheimer disease can be a difficult disease to cope with. It helps to have a positive outlook and to stay as active and mentally engaged as possible.

Rely on your friends and family as much as possible. When the disease is still in its early stages, it's critical to think about the future. This can include financial planning, working with employers on current and potential job responsibilities, clarifying health insurance coverage, and getting all your important documents in order should your health take a turn for the worse.

Although Alzheimer disease has no cure, you can make the best of a bad situation by keeping your mind and your body as healthy as possible. This can include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, cutting down on alcohol, and using relaxation techniques to reduce stress. But what about the other symptoms? Here are tips from a Johns Hopkins expert on what to watch for and how to manage.

As with any disease, it is important to keep an eye on your condition. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any sudden changes in yourself, or in the person you care for, that make additional help necessary.

You can discuss the next steps with your provider. Alzheimer disease commonly affects older people, but early-onset Alzheimer disease can affect people in their 30s or 40s. Although there is no known cure, early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better quality of life. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you.

Also know what the side effects are. Most types of early-onset Alzheimer disease are the same, but there are a few small distinctions: Common Alzheimer disease. What causes early-onset Alzheimer disease? What are the risks for early-onset Alzheimer disease? The person may find that they have difficulty following directions, solving problems, and focusing. For example, they may find it difficult to:.

The person may find it hard to distinguish contrast and colors or judge speed or distance. Normal aging also affects eyesight, so it is essential to have regular checkups with an eye doctor. The person may experience confusion about places or times. They may have difficulty keeping track of seasons, months, or times of day.

They may become confused in an unfamiliar place. They may also start to wander and get lost. Most people will lose items at some time, but they are usually able to locate them again by searching in logical locations and retracing their steps. They may also be unable to retrace their steps to find the missing item. This can be distressing and may cause the person to believe that someone is stealing from them. The person may also have difficulty with words and communication.

They may find it hard to follow or contribute to a conversation, or they may repeat themselves. They may also have difficulty writing down their thoughts. The person may stop in the middle of a conversation, unable to figure out what to say next. They may also struggle to find the right word or label things incorrectly.

It is not uncommon for people to occasionally struggle to find the right word. Typically, they eventually remember it and do not experience the problem frequently. The person may start to show a change in their ability to make good decisions.

For example, they may start:. They may feel irritable, confused, anxious, or depressed. Read more about the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The risk of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia increases with age, affecting an estimated 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in every 6 people over the age of But around 1 in every 20 people with Alzheimer's disease are under the age of This is called early- or young-onset Alzheimer's disease.

As the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease progress slowly, it can be difficult to recognise that there's a problem. Many people feel that memory problems are simply a part of getting older. Also, the disease process itself may but not always prevent people recognising changes in their memory. But Alzheimer's disease is not a "normal" part of the ageing process. An accurate and timely diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can give you the best chance to prepare and plan for the future, as well as receive any treatment or support that may help.

If you're worried about your memory or think you may have dementia, it's a good idea to see a GP. If possible, someone who knows you well should be with you as they can help describe any changes or problems they have noticed. If you're worried about someone else, encourage them to make an appointment and perhaps suggest that you go along with them. There's no single test that can be used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. And it's important to remember that memory problems do not necessarily mean you have Alzheimer's disease.

A GP will ask questions about any problems you're experiencing and may do some tests to rule out other conditions. If Alzheimer's disease is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist service to:. Read more about diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. There's currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but medicines are available that can help relieve some of the symptoms.

Various other types of support are also available to help people with Alzheimer's live as independently as possible, such as making changes to your home environment so it's easier to move around and remember daily tasks. Psychological treatments such as cognitive stimulation therapy may also be offered to help support your memory, problem solving skills and language ability.