As diagnostic procedures become more sophisticated and the public's awareness grows, more individuals will be accurately diagnosed at a younger age and an earlier stage of the disease. Alzheimer's disease is considered to be in its early onset, or starting point, if an individual is under 65 when symptoms first appear.
Individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's disease will experience similar symptoms as early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The following presents some of the additional issues that early-onset individuals may experience due to their younger age (for example, children living at home, employment issues).
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto can provide information, support and referrals to families facing the following issues:
Difficulty obtaining a diagnosis
Early-onset individuals may have a difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis due to:
- Younger age and healthy appearance ruling out Alzheimer's disease
- Attributing early symptoms to stress
- Diagnosis of depression or other psychiatric illness
- Conflicting diagnosis from different healthcare professionals
Tips for helping individuals obtain a diagnostic assessment
- Call the Alzheimer Society for information on symptoms and diagnosis
- Encourage early-onset individuals and caregivers to write down symptoms and other experiences to share with healthcare professionals
- Refer caregivers our website at www.alzheimertoronto.org
Financial Challenges
Due to the relatively young age of early-onset individuals, insurance and other benefits may be more difficult to obtain and there may be more expenses to consider. Financial challenges may include the following:
- Loss of income and insurance coverage when no longer employed
- Reduction or loss of retirement benefits due to early retirement
- Increase in family expenses due to treatment and care for diagnosed individual
- Spouse may need to work increased hours to help support the family
Tips for addressing financial challenges
- Investigate early retirement and other financial planning options if the early-onset person is still working
- Refer to a skilled financial consultant and or lawyer
- Contact Human Resources Canada for more information on the Canadian Pension Plan Disability 1-800-277-9914.
Impact on children at home
Children of parent diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease may feel:
- Fear and grief at the gradual losses the parent experiences
- Ashamed and may avoid inviting friends home
- Anxious if she or he detects stress in the parent's relationship
- Awkward due to a reversal of roles within the family
- Frustrated due to changes in lifestyle
- Frightened about his or her own future and the chances of getting Alzheimer's disease
Tips for helping children cope
- Refer to the Alzheimer Society for resources for children and adolescents
- Refer the child to a support group or counsellor to express his or her feelings
- Suggest the child's teachers be notified and provided with information about Alzheimer's disease
- Find activities the child and parent can do together
- Assist the primary caregiver in making time to spend alone with the child
- Encourage open communication between parent and child
- Address fears related to heredity of early-onset Alzheimer
- Refer to the Alzheimer Society for education about the limits of genetic testing
Support Group
We have a monthly support group for family members of persons with early onset dementia.
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