Alzheimers Research UK explain 'what is dementia?'

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Early-onset Alzheimer’s – a form of dementia – can show up in small ways once a person nears middle age. It might begin as forgetfulness that can easily be overlooked. Dementia charity Alzheimer’s Research UK elaborated on memory issues. “This may include forgetting messages or recent events that would normally be remembered, or repeating questions,” the charity noted.

Another indication of the brain condition is more bouts of confusion.

The person affected may become confused in unfamiliar stains and lose a sense of time and place.

It’s also possible for the person experiencing early-onset Alzheimer’s to become:

• Low in mood
• Irritable
• Less confident.

Alzheimer’s can also cause the person to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.

These symptoms might be indicative of depression, which is why knowing the other warning signs of the brain condition is useful.

For example, the brain condition can cause a person to find it difficult to find the right words to communicate; this is known as aphasia.

The experts at the NHS expanded on what aphasia is and how it can show up in people.

“Aphasia is when a person has difficulty with their language or speech,” the experts said.

“People with aphasia often have trouble with the four main ways people understand and use language. These are:

• Reading
• Listening
• Speaking
• Typing or writing.”

Aphasia may show up as the person “using the wrong sounds in a word”.

Or the person could choose the wrong word, or put words together incorrectly.

While aphasia can affect a person’s ability to communicate, it doesn’t affect their intelligence.

Another possible sign of Alzheimer’s disease is when the person finds it difficult to recognise objects, or to judge speed or distance.

Evidence suggests that early-onset Alzheimer’s might progress more quickly than in older adults.

However, every person’s experience and response to the disease is different.

Early warning signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s:

• Memory problems
• Increased periods of confusion
• Mood changes
• Difficulty finding the right words
• Difficulty recognising objects.

As soon as anyone suspects dementia, the charity recommends visiting your doctor.

Once in the doctor’s clinic, you can discuss your concerns and memory tests can be carried out.

Some people may be referred to a memory clinic for further specialist tests.

Gaining an early diagnosis means a person can get their affairs into order while they are still able to do so.

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