Question 1

can young people get alzheimer's?

Accepted Answer

Not generally: Alzheimers disease is primarily a disease of older people.  Development before 60 years of age is uncommon.  In younger people some disorders can cause memory impairment such as can occur with trauma to the brain, childhood developmental disorders and drug abuse.  Major depression can mimick dementia with slow thinking, lack of initiative, poor self care.

Question 2

is it possible for young people in their 20s or 30s to get alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Less likely though. Other causes or diseases have to be considered.

Question 3

how do you get alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

No one knows: There are some genetic compenents, and there are factors that increase risk. Those things that keep your heart healthy also generally help keep your brain healthy.

Question 4

can alzheimer's happen to young people?

Accepted Answer

Not common: Except for those with down's syndrome, alzheimer's usually occurs after age 50 and most often after age 65. It is most common in those older than 85.

Question 5

how common is it for somebody to get alzheimer's?

Accepted Answer

It's common: 1 in 8 (13%) americans over age 65 have alzheimer's.  That's 5.4 million people. 5.2 million of them are over 65.  Here's a link to a pdf with lots of statistics and info on it: http://www.Alz.Org/downloads/facts_figures_2011.Pdf.  Taking good care of yourself is the best way to keep from getting dementia - eat right, exercise, maintain a healthy weight, stay connected with loved ones.

Question 6

does alzheimer's disease occur in younger adults too?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: Alzheimer's disease occurs in a few patients starting in their 40's or 50's though it is most common in older adults. Far less then 1% of people younger than age 65 have the illness while 1% of those aged 65 do and nearly half of those aged 85 and older have it. There are changes in the brains of many of us at a younger age than this but no clinical symptoms.

Question 7

would someone as young as 20 be affected by alzheimer's?

Accepted Answer

Not likely: Unless you have in your family several members who developed alzheimer's disease in an early age, it is unlikely that you would get it. If you do, then there may be a bad gene in you family members that can cause early development of alzheimer's disease.

Question 8

why don't all the symptoms of alzheimer's get better at once?

Accepted Answer

No one knows: Some symptoms can improve with treatment while many symptoms do not. Often the best treatment is offering support to the person and their caregivers. Since we still are not exactly sure what causes the illness it is difficult to identify treatments.

Question 9

can alzheimer's occurs in young people such as 24 years of age?

Accepted Answer

Yes but rare: Alzheimer's disease can present in young adults, but usually in patients with down's syndrome or some other genetic abnormality.  The likelihood is extremely low, likely less than 1 in a million.  Any young adult with alzheimer-like symptoms should undergo a full evaluation to rule out other causes.

Question 10

what is a good way to get a person 'tested' for alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Neurological exam: The best may be to have the person seen by a neurologist who will evaluate the symptoms and can decide if alzheimer's disease is likely.

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Can young people get alzheimer s

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Can young people get alzheimer's?

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Does alzheimer's disease occur in younger adults too?

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Would someone as young as 20 be affected by alzheimer's?

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Why don't all the symptoms of alzheimer's get better at once?

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What is a good way to get a person 'tested' for alzheimer's disease?

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