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Young-onset Alzheimer’s affects people under 65 and progresses faster than late-onset AD. Learn about its signs, risk factors, and the importance of timely diagnosis and support.
If you are experiencing memory loss that interferes with your daily life, it’s important to watch for other symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Early-onset (young-onset) Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is defined as AD with symptom onset before the age of 65. It accounts for at least one-third of patients with young-onset dementia. Among those aged 45 to 64 years, the incidence rate is about 6.3 per 100,000 per year. Dr. Rohin Dubbal, Consultant Neurologist, Fortis Hospitals, Kalyan & Mulund, Mumbai, shares all you need to know:
How Is It Different from Late-Onset AD?
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Early-onset AD has a stronger genetic predisposition, involving direct autosomal dominant transmission in a subgroup, along with higher polygenic susceptibility. The overall deterioration is faster, and patients often experience a longer duration of the disease before diagnosis (around 1.6 years), likely due to missed or delayed recognition. A history of traumatic brain injury is also more common as a risk factor.
Important Features:
A large percentage of patients present with language abnormalities, behavioural changes, impaired attention, executive and visuospatial difficulties, and poor judgement—unlike elderly patients who often show forgetfulness as the earliest symptom.
Forgetfulness in younger individuals is more frequently caused by poor sleep, stress, anxiety, medication side effects, depression, or other medical conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, or head injuries.
In early-onset AD, greater posterior (parietal and temporoparietal junction) neocortical atrophy and hypometabolism are observed, compared with the temporal atrophy and hypometabolism typically seen in late-onset AD.
The Need for Support
Patients with early-onset AD are often in the most productive period of their lives, balancing careers and family responsibilities. The condition is associated with an unexpected loss of independence in midlife, anticipatory grief about the future, and challenges in continuing work. Patients also tend to have higher levels of disease awareness, which may lead to early generalized anxiety and an increased risk of self-harm. This makes age-appropriate psychosocial support absolutely essential.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 21, 2025, 15:08 IST
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