Early signs of dementia that can affect people in their 30s and 40s when talking

Early signs of dementia that can affect people in their 30s and 40s when talking Early-onset dementia can strike people in their 30s and 40s, though it is uncommon Dementia is not solely a condition that strikes the elderly; there can be early warning signs in younger people, too. When dementia develops before the age of 65, it is referred to as early-onset dementia. However, if symptoms are overlooked, it can begin even earlier than that. In the UK, around 944,000 people are currently living with dementia. More than 70,800 of those are believed to be living with young-onset dementia. While uncommon, there have been cases of people in their 30s and 40s receiving a dementia diagnosis. According to Alzheimer's Research UK, the global number of dementia sufferers is projected to soar to 153 million by 2050. The number stood at nearly 57 million in 2019. Dementia is not a single disease, but rather an umbrella term for symptoms brought on by various conditions that damage the brain, with Alzheimer's disease being the leading cause. The condition can significantly affect daily life due to difficulties with memory and cognitive function. There are various reasons some people may be diagnosed with young-onset dementia. For instance, brain changes in the frontal lobes, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), often start when people are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. Huntington's disease is an inherited genetic disorder that causes nerve cells to break down, often leading to dementia in a person's 30s. Alcohol-related brain damage caused by severe long-term heavy drinking can lead to cognitive decline and memory loss starting around age 30 or later. Alzheimer's Research UK said: "The causes of Alzheimer's disease are very complex, but one key part is the build-up of two substances inside the brain called amyloid and tau. When conditions in the brain aren't right, these clump up and form tiny structures called plaques and tangles. These make it harder for the brain to work properly." Dementia can impact people as young as 30, although this is quite uncommon. A diagnosis for anyone under 65 is referred to as young-onset (or early-onset) dementia. Organisations such as Dementia UK offer specialised support and guidance for those and their families dealing with these unusual midlife diagnoses. There are notable differences in the way dementia affects younger people. These include the following: - A wider range of diseases cause young-onset dementia. - A younger person is much more likely to have a rarer form of dementia. - Younger people with dementia are less likely to have memory loss as one of their first symptoms. - Young-onset dementia is more likely to cause problems with movement, walking, co-ordination or balance. - Young-onset dementia is more likely to be inherited (passed on through genes) – this affects up to 10% of younger people with dementia. - Many younger people with dementia don’t have any other serious or long-term health conditions. It's unusual for healthcare professionals to possess significant experience in spotting dementia symptoms in younger people, due to how uncommon it is. Initial signs may not be obvious straight away and could be easily confused with stress, relationship problems, work pressures or even the menopause. Early symptoms might not always include memory loss, but may instead appear as changes in behaviour, language, vision or personality. For most people with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, the symptoms mirror those of other types of Alzheimer's. According to Bupa, people with early-onset dementia might experience behavioural changes and emotional changes, such as feeling more irritable or anxious than usual. As well as communication issues when talking, such as difficulty finding the right words and speaking less than usual, and changes in the way they walk (known as gait), such as shuffling or walking at a different speed. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, early symptoms can include: - Forgetting important things, particularly newly learned information or important dates - Asking for the same information again and again - Trouble solving basic problems, such as keeping track of bills or following a favourite recipe - Losing track of the date or time of year - Losing track of where you are and how you got there - Trouble with depth perception or other vision problems - Trouble joining conversations or finding the right word for something - Misplacing things and not being able to retrace your steps to find them - Increasingly poor judgment - Withdrawal from work and social situations - Changes in mood and personality Later symptoms could be: - Severe mood swings and behaviour changes - Deepening confusion about time, place, and life events - Suspicions about friends, family, or caregivers - Trouble speaking, swallowing, or walking - Severe memory loss Research has also shown a connection between inflammation during your 20s and 30s and the development of cognitive decline in middle age. Scientists have examined elevated levels of a substance called C-reactive protein (CRP) in the bloodstream, according to the American Academy of Neurology. CRP is produced when inflammation occurs, which can lead to joint pain, stiffness, digestive issues and fatigue. In the UK, those diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's can access medication to help control symptoms. However, once dementia takes hold, there is currently no cure available. For younger people keen to keep the disease at bay, certain lifestyle adjustments can improve their chances of staying in good health. The Alzheimer's Society recommends six daily habits that can boost your overall well-being: regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, and staying mentally and socially active.