Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

Early onset alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that attacks brain function, slowly taking away a person’s ability to recognize those around them and impacting their ability to perform daily living skills. This can be especially difficult for family members or friends to deal with as they watch their loved one struggle to remember simple things.

Age is a major factor in early onset alzheimer’s disease. Most people who have been diagnosed with this disease are 65 or older. Your risk for developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years after the age of 65. By the age of 85, the risk of having Alzheimer’s disease is 50%. Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder; it is not a normal part of aging. Other biological risk factors include a family history of Alzheimer’s disease and genetic links. Those people who have had a family member who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are significantly more likely to develop the disease themselves.

There are some steps that you can take to reduce your risk of developing early onset alzheimer’s disease:

o Make sure that you protect your head by using precautions such as a helmet when you are doing activities like riding a bike. This reduces risk for brain damage if you have an accident.

o Make an effort to lead a healthy life. Give your brain the power it needs to stay healthy and strong.

o Eat right, get rest, drink plenty of water and get regular exercise. By giving your body and brain a solid foundation, you help reduce the risk of brain damage.

o Keep sharp by exercising your mind as well as your body.

o Use memory techniques like puzzles, memorizing lists or doing math problems to give your mind a good workout.

Early onset alzheimer’s disease the leading cause of dementia in the United States. It can be a frightening diagnosis to hear, but there is hope with current medications and ongoing research.

By: Thomas A. Klein

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