What are the main differences between early and late Alzheimer’s?
What are the main differences between early and late Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disease that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by memory loss, cognitive loss, and behavioral change. Alzheimer’s disease can be classified into two types, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, depending on the age of development. Understanding the timing difference between these two types of Alzheimer’s disease is very important for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Definition of early and late onset Alzheimer’s.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s, also known as emergent Alzheimer’s, is a disease that develops symptoms before the age of 65. It is relatively rare, accounting for about 5-10% of all Alzheimer’s cases. Late-onset Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, typically occurs after the age of 65, represents the majority of cases, and affects about 90-95% of Alzheimer’s patients.
Genetic factor.
One of the key differences between early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer’s is the role of the gene. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is often caused by gene mutations and is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. In other words, if you inherit a mutated gene from one of your parents, you are more likely to develop it. Late-onset Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, has a more complex genetic basis. Certain genes, such as the APOE gene, increase the risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s, but having these genes does not guarantee development. Other factors, such as lifestyle and environmental impact, also affect late-onset Alzheimer’s.
The progression of a disease.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s and late-onset Alzheimer’s have similar symptoms and are the root cause of the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain. However, early-onset Alzheimer’s tends to progress more rapidly than late-onset Alzheimer’s. This rapid progression may be due to early-onset Alzheimer’s affecting individuals in relatively healthy old age. On the other hand, late-onset Alzheimer’s already develops in old age and slows down the progression of the disease.
Treatment options.
When it comes to treatment, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are medications that can manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment approaches for both early and late Alzheimer’s disease are similar and include pharmacological interventions, cognitive rehabilitation, and support from medical professionals. However, people with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease may benefit from additional support programs specifically tailored to age groups and unique needs.