Early Alzheimer’s disease: symptoms of a version of the disease that can appear from the age of 30 | health

Alzheimer’s disease is often thought of as a condition that affects only the elderly. But an estimated 3.9 million people worldwide between the ages of 30 and 64 suffer from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease – a form of dementia in which symptoms appear before the age of 65.

English journalist and broadcaster Fiona Phillips, 62, recently revealed that she had contracted the disease.

During an interview, Phillips shared that the main symptoms she experienced prior to her diagnosis were mental fog and anxiety. It also highlighted how symptoms differed between early and late Alzheimer’s disease.

First, symptoms start much earlier – as early as 30 in some rare cases, although the condition is usually diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 64.

And while people with Alzheimer’s often experience memory loss as the first sign of the disease, individuals with praecox dementia tend to have other symptoms—such as difficulty paying attention, a decreased ability to imitate hand gestures, and poor spatial awareness.

Some people with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease may also experience increased anxiety prior to diagnosis. This may be due to the awareness of the changes that are taking place without a clear reason as to why they feel different.

They may believe these behavioral changes are temporary, delaying medical evaluation. Health professionals can also misinterpret high stress as a sign of other health conditions.

While they may have less cognitive impairment at the time of diagnosis, studies have indicated that those with early Alzheimer’s disease experience faster brain changes. This indicates that the condition may be more severe than late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It also explains why people with early-onset dementia tend to have a life expectancy about two years lower than those with late-onset dementia.

Research shows that people with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease are also more aware of changes in brain activity. This can lead to behavioral changes – with conditions such as depression appearing in this group.

Within the brain itself, early Alzheimer’s disease causes similar chemical changes to late Alzheimer’s disease. But the areas of the brain affected by these chemical changes can be different.

Research concludes that areas of the brain involved in processing sensory and movement-related information (called the parietal cortex) show the greatest signs of early damage.

There is also less damage to the hippocampus than in late-onset Alzheimer’s disease – an area of ​​gray matter important in learning and memory.

The risk factors for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease are similar to those for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

For example, lower levels of cardiovascular fitness and lower cognitive ability in early adulthood were associated with an eightfold increased risk of early Alzheimer’s disease. However, we still don’t fully understand all of the factors that affect a person’s chances of developing the disease.

One thing experts agree is that genes play a role in about one in ten cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. To date, three genes (APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2) have been associated with the disease.

All of these genes are linked to a toxic protein thought to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease (known as beta-amyloid). When these genes become defective, there is a buildup of beta-amyloid, which is associated with the onset of symptoms.

Increasing evidence suggests that there may also be a link between traumatic brain injury and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

What people can do

In the UK, people diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s disease may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms.

In the United States, two types of treatments have been approved that can slow the progression of symptoms. However, they’ve only been tested in people with late-onset Alzheimer’s – so it’s still not clear if they’ll have an effect there.

People with a family history of dementia or who are concerned about risks can undergo genetic testing through a private company. This will confirm the presence of genes related to the problem. These tests can be done for those who already have symptoms or for people with a family history who want to know the prognosis for the disease in the future.

While it is not possible to modify your genes if you are at higher risk, some research supports the idea that you can strengthen your brain against disease through a healthier lifestyle.

One study found that when people with a genetic predisposition to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease exercised more than two and a half hours per week, they scored better on memory tests than those who were not physically active.

In addition to being more active, dietary choices may also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease at an early age. An Italian study revealed that people who ate high levels of vegetables, dried fruits, and chocolate had a lower risk.

* Mark Dallas is Associate Professor of Cellular Neuroscience at the University of Reading, UK.