Early Onset Dementia
The Studies Behind Early Onset Dementia
Early onset dementia is still being aggressively tested and researched, as this condition tends to strike at a much earlier age than does Alzheimer’s disease. The studies recently concluded have put to rest the theories that the two conditions are related to one another, as early onset dementia has been proven to affect a completely different area of the brain than does Alzheimer’s. Though early Alzheimer’s symptoms are also possible, they nearly never begin before the age of 45. Frontal temporal dementia is the early onset condition which is suffered prior to midlife, and it is irreversible.
Caused by brain abnormalities toward the areas which control personality, memory, and social behaviors in the individual, they behavioral changes in the person are very disconcerting. Not to be confused with early stage dementia, which refers to the first symptoms of a dementia condition suffered later in life, early onset dementia is a completely debilitating disease. The symptoms can be helped along with therapies and medications while the stages take courses, but this condition is irreversible. Treatments include vitamin supplements, removal of tumors or other hindrances blocking nutrition, blood, and oxygen from getting to the brain, antidepressant drugs, and a few more specialized treatment options which are completely dependant upon the advice and expertise of your doctor.
Those suffering from early onset dementia may first become a bit overzealous, often displaying rude, inappropriate, and exhibitionist behaviors in public or private situations. On the sudden flip of this, the patient may display a state of overwhelming euphoria. As the sufferer’s inhibitions begin to fly out the window, and his bold, questionable behaviors start to dominate everyone around him, he will display less apathy and accountability. If it seems that he no longer cares for himself or others, it is important to remember that he has no control over this condition and what it’s doing to him. A complete lack of decision making abilities is present within him, and it will begin to show in his lack of self maintenance.
Early onset dementia will almost always cause the victim to forget about personal hygiene, so showering, bathing, and brushing his teeth are no longer considered to him as productive or worthwhile. At times, he speaks fluently, but his words do not pertain to the current conversation. Other times, he cannot find or form even the simplest words, and this usually causes a spike in frustration. He may begin to display impulsive behaviors and oral fixations toward the final stages of this disease, and will need supervision to avoid self inflicted injury. Tremors, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, stiffness, and lack of coordination may take over his body, adding physical discomfort to his already bleak condition.