My dad has it (dementia) and was diagnosed around age 76. But I think he had it YEARS AGO (he’d forget words and say “whatchamacallit” instead or forget he turned the tea pot on). I hear it’s being diagnosed in people younger and younger. CNN said if one of your parents/grandparents was diagnosed before age 65, you have a 50% chance of getting it. Fifty percent?! I’m only 34 but I’m forgetting things like you wouldn’t believe! I sometimes forget words in the middle of a sentence. It could be stress and the doc says it is. But a 51 YO woman on the cover of USA Today was told the same thing – then she found out she had Alzheimers! And another guy found out in his late 40s! Has ANYONE ever been diagnosed in their 30s?
Update:Oh and I had CT Scan on my brain but guess what! I forgot to mention that. No kidding!
Answers & Comments
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I don't remember
There is in fact a 50% likilihood that you will develop the disease. No one has been diagnosed in their 30s yet, but the family members of people diagnosed will respond with things like, "Oh yeah I remember even back in his 30s when he would be forgetting things." ..like you said about your father.
It seems like you have already asked your doctor about it, but you should ask him again and stress that it's something you're worried about. They can run tests and things to find chemical and hormonal imbalances...but they might not show up yet due to your young age.
Also, ask your family members to watch for any personality changes or changes in your everyday routine. A personality change is a major sign of Alzheimer's.
If you're wondering why I know so much about this...my mom worked for Aricept for a while (they make medications for the disease) and my grandfather had Alzheimers for the last ten years of his life.
If you take anything away from this....just relax. You are probaly paranoid that you have the disease simply because of the statistics given. Also, if you were to develop the disease, you should know that every day doctors and scientists are closer to finding a cure/better treatment options. Best of luck to you!
I think you are over reacting. I really dont think that you can get it at your age. If you keep yourself busy in life, you don't have to worry as much. Wait until your in your mid 60s, then you can think bout it but I wouldn't waste my time worrying about it.
How to reduce it:
Living a healthy lifestyle may help reduce one's overall risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. A healthy lifestyle includes healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight, taking part in regular physical activity, maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels and participating in activities that involve socializing and stimulating brain activity. In studies of identical twins (who share the same genes) it was found that about 60% of the overall risk for sporadic Alzheimer's disease comes from lifestyle and not genetics
The way it was presented to me in the simplest terms is. Losing your car keys is okay. Not knowing what they are for is a serious problem. Losing your car in a parking lot is okay, not knowing what you are looking for is a serious problem. Not focusing and not finishing the task at hand ie: conversation, teapot, car, carkeys, remote, etc. are symptoms of a common disease called 'SCATTERBRAINITIS" cured by slowing down and paying attention. Another help is stop listening to people with initials ie: CNN,USA, NBC etc.
You sound ok to me. What was the question again?
YOu don't have it at this earlier an age.
You are just overanalyzing things you are forgetting. Everyone has things they forget. Some more than others. Alzheimers has nothing to do with it.
Talk to a doctor though if really worried.
If you are unsure as to whether you may have it or not get tested. You most likely just have normal forgetfullness but since you are worried about it get tested so you know for sure what is going on.