You wrote yourself another sticky note, forgot your co-worker’s name again this week, or noticed that you’ve lost your train of thought halfway through your sentence, and you have a slight, irritating thought that runs through your brain: Is this normal, or is something else going on? Early-onset dementia isn’t always common, but it’s certainly very real, and knowing more about the symptoms of early onset dementia – more than typical forgetfulness – can be a great peace of mind either way. So, what really sets the two apart, and what actions should be taken when it doesn’t feel right?
What Is Early Onset Dementia?
Dementia is typically diagnosed in seniors, though if it occurs before age 65 a diagnosis is considered to be early onset dementia. It can occur at any age, though most cases are seen between the ages of 55 – 64, and 45 – 54.
The underlying pattern is similar to that in older adults – mild cognitive impairment followed by further stages – but is rare in younger people and is not usually the first condition that doctors think of in their patients with memory problems in the 40s and 50s. This is why it’s important to get the proper evaluation instead of taking a chance.
Signs of Early Onset Dementia to Watch For
The hallmark is that it takes effort to complete simple tasks that you would do without thinking. Common symptoms include:
- Memory loss that is significant and not simply forgetfulness from time to time
- Not attending work meetings and appointments or missing events you usually attend
- Asking the same questions within a short period of time
- Difficulty solving problems or planning new tasks
- Loss of orientation in places that are not familiar
- Losing the way to regularly used places without GPS
- Sees changes in mood or personality that are noticeable
- Increased irritability
- Lack of ability to put thoughts into words or communicate
The difference from simple forgetfulness is impact: Keys lost at some point – yes, everyone loses them – but if you notice you need more help than usual to do things you already know how to do, or if loved ones notice you are doing things you already know how to do differently than before, you have a different pattern to be aware of.
Early Signs of Dementia vs. Normal Aging: What’s the Real Difference?
This is where much of the unnecessary worry lies and this is why it is important to be straightforward about it – forgetfulness is a natural part of ageing and not necessarily a sign of dementia. This too is a common occurrence in all of us – at any age, forgetting to call someone’s name, mispronouncing names, and losing our cell phone in a panic or at night.
Early onset dementia is characterized by a pattern that is different from your personal baseline, and that is really affecting your functioning in one or more areas: at work, at home, or in relationships. If you don’t know exactly which category you fall into, then this uncertainty should be a good enough reason to get checked, not to go through the trouble of making a list and trying to self-diagnose.
Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia Symptoms
This really is important and is often overlooked – several treatable conditions can produce cognitive symptoms that resemble those of early dementia, such as:
- Sleep apnea
- Untreated thyroid disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Certain vitamin deficiencies
- Not receiving treatment for anxiety or depression
Many of these are totally treatable once diagnosed and checked for, and a proper medical evaluation will first look for these to rule out the possibility that what is seemingly a frightening cognitive decline is actually an underlying cause that can be treated. This is one of the best reasons to not avoid a medical exam – especially since it might be a bit of you that hates the prospect.
Why Early Diagnosis Genuinely Matters
If it is early onset dementia, the earlier the diagnosis, the more options you have. Some newer drugs are also available for mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, and are generally more effective when initiated at the beginning. In addition to medication, an early diagnosis can lead to cognitive remediation programs, which are programs of exercises and strategies aimed at continuing to maintain function for longer, and help with practical work accommodations and other life accommodations.
A thorough evaluation will most likely involve a detailed history, physical exam, specific blood tests, neuro-imaging and neuro-cognitive testing by a specialist. This comprehensive method is why doctors can determine that it is not one of the more common and treatable look-alike conditions.
Supporting Brain Health: What the Research Actually Shows
New evidence points to the possibility that a significant proportion of dementia cases, perhaps as many as 40%, are preventable or can be delayed by lifestyle changes that can be modified. Although none of this is guaranteed to prevent it, and the risk of genetics/age cannot be controlled, the following habits are always associated with improved long-term brain health:
Cardiovascular exercise. Exercise can help improve blood flow to the brain and is one of the more protective life habits identified in current research studies.
A Mediterranean-style diet. A healthy diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and antioxidants, is linked with improved long-term cognitive function.
Managing chronic conditions. Well-controlled diabetes, as well as well-controlled high blood pressure, are associated with lower risk of cognitive decline.
Staying socially engaged. Active social connections have been linked to postponing cognitive decline, in some studies by several years.
Treating hearing loss. Interestingly, emerging research has shown that hearing aids in those at high risk for cognitive decline convey a significant long-term benefit, a factor that is not discussed nearly enough.
Managing stress. High levels of cortisol for prolonged periods due to stress can impact areas of the brain responsible for memory. The other habits mentioned here can be helpful in the long run, but along with them, a few minutes of daily nervous system regulation exercises such as slow breathing or grounding techniques can really help in long-term brain health in a big way.
Prioritizing sleep. One important part of this is good sleep, which is important for the removal of metabolic waste from the brain.
When to See a Doctor
If you or someone you love has noticed memory or thinking changes that are genuinely interfering with daily life – not just occasional forgetfulness – it’s worth scheduling an evaluation with a primary care provider. They can do an initial assessment and refer you to a comprehensive dementia center if needed.
It’s worth seeing a doctor sooner rather than later if you notice:
- Memory problems that are affecting your work or relationships
- A loved one expressing concern about changes they’ve noticed in you
- New difficulty with tasks that used to feel automatic
- Personality or mood changes that feel out of character
- Getting lost or disoriented in familiar places
Getting evaluated doesn’t mean you’ll receive a dementia diagnosis – plenty of people who go through this process find a far more treatable explanation. But either way, you’ll have clarity instead of quiet worry.
The Bottom Line
Memory change at any age is often a time of stress, even though it is seldom early onset dementia. Whether it’s a symptom of something more serious or not usually depends on pattern and impact; whether this is interfering with everyday life, and whether this is different from how things used to be for the person? The answer sounds like yes; a comprehensive medical evaluation is the next step as it could identify a potentially treatable look-alike, and more importantly, early detection of dementia really does afford greater options.
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