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Alzheimer's, a form of dementia, is known as a disease that can be developed in our senior years. Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, discovered some degree of brain damage during an autopsy conducted in 1906.

While it is rare to be diagnosed prior to the age of 60, there are cases of early onset in patients as young as 30. It is more common fro younger patients to develop early onset during their 50s and it is believed to be a heredity condition.

Individuals who have a parent or grandparent diagnosed with early onset are thought to be more likely to develop this condition. Scientists feel it may be caused by defects in the replication of up chromosomes, which can be passed down to future generations. It is difficult, however, to try to conduct screening tests to determine whether you are at risk. These suspect genes aren't always present in diagnosed cases and they are sometimes present in individuals who never develop the disease. There are many unanswered questions about Alzheimer's and early onset. Science continues to study the disease in their search for answers to understand what causes this condition and possibly identify a cure.

Alzheimer's is a disease in which the portion of the brain responsible for memory, language skills and thought processing is damaged. It is a very slow progressing disease and in early stages is mistaken for normal forgetfulness. It is associated with the natural aging process or high degrees of stress.

Patients with early onset are often surprised that they may be developing such a debilitating disease. Their family may notice they are neglecting routine duties, forgetting to pay bills, having trouble balancing a checkbook or have trouble recalling people and events from the past. Employers may take disciplinary action, mistaking this mental illness for their failure to follow through on the regular responsibilities of their position. Some patients with early onset experience life altering changes because the community doesn't understand that there is a physical problem with their brain. Simple math becomes a challenge because Alzheimer's affects cognitive ability. Patients may forget phone numbers or miss important activities because of an impairment in their memory skills.

Eventually, Alzheimer's progresses and simple things like the grooming, cooking meals and driving a car become a challenge. It begins to interfere with normal living. Patients may experience problems in communicating and misinterpret what they read or write. The disease at some point has an emotional impact as well. Alzheimer patients become easily frustrated and anxious. At some point, they will need constant care to ensure they do not wander away from their secure environment.

If you have concerns and notice your cognitive function or memory isn't normal, you should make an appointment to see your physician. It is important to understand that other conditions can cause similar symptoms, such as side effects from certain medications, depression or problems with your thyroid function.

Learn more about this author, Diane Stacey.
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