According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 5 million people in the United States. Even if it’s known to affect adults 65 years and older, up to 5 percent of those diagnosed have early onset Alzheimer’s disease. This means that the person diagnosed is in their 40s or 50s.
It can be difficult to get a true diagnosis at this age because many symptoms may appear to be a result of typical life events such as stress. As the disease affects the brain, it can cause a decline in memory, reasoning, and thinking abilities. The decline is typically slow, but this can vary.
As you know, Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of dementia. Dementia represents the loss of memory functions or other mental abilities that affect your daily activities. If you experience the following symptoms, you should visit your doctor.