Some diseases are classified as genetic in nature; early-onset Alzheimer’s is one of those diseases. If someone inherits a genetic mutation from a parent that causes early-onset Alzheimer’s, then he or she could develop it. In fact, there is a 50/50 chance that the child of a parent with early-onset Alzheimer’s gene mutations will develop the disease. Whether the mutation is inherited is a good indicator that early-onset Alzheimer’s will develop. Specifically, genetic mutations on chromosomes 1, 14, and 21 are responsible for early-onset Alzheimer’s development. It is recommended that people whose parents developed early-onset Alzheimer’s have genetic testing done to see if they have an increased risk of disease development, although a genetic test cannot predict if they will develop the disease for sure.
3. Early-onset Alzheimer’s can require a caregiver's assistance.
Even Sandy, who had her husband’s help, needed a part-time caregiver to aid in her daily activities. A caregiver's assistance was necessary because of how early-onset Alzheimer’s debilitated her. According to Sandy’s story, her caregiver provides physical and emotional support. Likewise, many people with early-onset Alzheimer’s decide they need the additional help a caregiver provides with changing family roles and daily care.
However, caregivers also add to the financial burden associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s. On the other hand, being unable to hire a caregiver and appointing a family member as caregiver instead can be physically and emotionally draining on the family. Either way, there is a cost of caregiving associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
2. Early-onset Alzheimer’s can impact the basic functions of a mid-life adult.
When someone is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, he or she might be in the prime of his or her life. For example, people with early-onset Alzheimer’s might still have a job, dependent children, a spouse who works, elderly parents who need care or big financial commitments, like home or car payments. While Alzheimer’s disease could begin with symptoms like memory loss, eventually it affects sufferers’ ability to perform basic tasks.