Even at age 50: How do you recognize signs of dementia at an early age?
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In Israel, several thousand people are diagnosed with dementia between the ages of 30 and 60. The identification of the disease in these people is different – but unfortunately the disease progresses in the same way as in older age. So what is different?
Last night (Thursday), MK Benny Gantz revealed on the Uvda program on Keshet 12 that his wife Revital had Alzheimer's at the age of 51, and shared about the first symptoms and life alongside the cruel disease.
"Dementia in young people is defined as dementia that appears before the age of 65," explains Prof. Yehudit Aharon, Chair of the Scientific Council of EMDA Association"It is a decline in cognitive functions and behavior, at a level of severity that begins to interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life, at work, in the community and in society."
According to her, dementia is not a single disease but a broad functional definition. "There are many causes of dementia, because it is a brain pathology. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause both in young and old age, but as we get older, more people suffer from several causes at the same time."
According to estimates, there are currently about 150 dementia patients living in Israel, of whom about 4,000 to 5,000 have early dementia.
Not just forgetfulness: the symptoms that may appear at a young age
Among the main causes of dementia, she lists degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia caused by cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson's, head injuries, infectious diseases, tumors and hereditary diseases. "The younger the age, the more common the genetic factors," she emphasizes.
While many identify dementia with memory problems, in young people the picture is sometimes completely different.
"There is, of course, the classic sign of memory impairment," says Prof. Aharon, "but at a young age we also see less typical forms: behavioral disorders, apathy, depression, difficulty with spatial orientation, inability to recognize faces, reading problems, difficulty getting dressed, or gradual loss of language."
According to her, there are also cases in which the disease initially looks like Parkinson's.
How much does genetics influence?
According to Prof. Aharon, in the last decade, the understanding has become clearer that Alzheimer's in older adults also has a significant genetic component.
"About 10 percent of Alzheimer's cases have a clear genetic or familial cause. Three genes are currently known to cause early onset of the disease," she explains. "Heritage plays a significant role, but not everything is clear yet." However, she emphasizes that genetics is only part of the story.
Risk factors that increase the chance of dementia
"We're talking more and more about brain health these days," she says. "It's about risk factors that increase the risk of developing brain pathology, and the more risk factors there are, the higher the risk of dementia."
Among the main risk factors:
- Hypertension
- diabetes mellitus
- Cardiovascular diseases
- obesity
- Depression
- Sleep Disorders
- Hearing loss
- Head injuries
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Lack of physical activity
- Air Pollution
- Social isolation
Low level of education
"The understanding today is that proper and preventive treatment of risk factors can reduce the incidence of dementia by about 45 percent and even delay its onset," she says.
The new revolution: Detecting Alzheimer's with a blood test
One of the biggest changes in the field has occurred in the last two years.
"Until a few years ago, Alzheimer's disease was diagnosed mainly based on clinical signs and cognitive decline," explains Prof. Aharon. "Today there is a real revolution: the disease is diagnosed based on biological markers."
She explains that Alzheimer's is caused by deposits of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. In the past, they could be identified mainly through imaging tests or spinal fluid tests, but today advanced blood tests are also starting to come into use.
"In families with hereditary Alzheimer's, markers of the disease can be identified 15 to 20 years before cognitive decline begins," she says.
According to her, this means that in the future it will be possible to identify people at risk much earlier, and perhaps also begin treatments at stages when brain damage is still limited.
"The important message is that dementia is not a fateful diagnosis," concludes Prof. Aharon. "Today, there is more knowledge, more options for early diagnosis, and more understanding of how lifestyle affects brain health over the years."
Need assistance?
EMDA Association It is the Israeli association for patients with dementia, Alzheimer's and similar diseases, operating since 1988 on behalf of patients and their families. The association provides information, counseling, support groups and professional guidance to families dealing with the disease throughout the country.
If you are concerned or need advice, EMDA Association Operates a free national advice and support line: 8889*.
Professionals will be happy to listen, advise, and refer you to the appropriate authorities. Remember, there is something to do, and someone to talk to.
**The information in the article is general and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Prof. Yehudit Aharon-Peretz She is the chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of EMDA Association and a senior physician at the Institute for Stroke and Cognition, Rambam Medical Center. Previously, director of the Institute for Cognitive Neurology.