Signs of Early-OnSet Alzheimer's

 

Memory loss may not be the only symptom that indicates the arrival of the mind robbing disease known as Alzheimer's.  Researchers in Spain now say problems with behavior, language or vision could also signal the early presence of the disease.  Early-onset Alzheimer's is rare, affecting only about five percent of those who have the illness.  Although the condition can develop in a person's 30's or 40's, it's most often seen in the 50's and tends to run in families.
 In this most recent study, scientists analyzed the brains of 40 people between the ages of 46 and 50.  Each of the brains, which were analyzed after autopsy, showed the presence of Alzheimer's.  The researchers also reviewed information about the age of onset, arrival of symptoms and each patient's family history.  Nearly 40 percent of those who had confirmed early-onset Alzheimer's disease exhibited signs beyond memory loss.  Those signs included a reduced ability to conduct tasks or difficulty with behavior, vision or language.  More than half of those who displayed unusual symptoms had also been incorrectly diagnosed by a doctor.  Among those who did solely experience memory problems, only four percent had been properly diagnosed.
  Since the misdiagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is a common occurrence, scientists say doctors should search for biomarkers to indicate the presence of the disease.
  Right now about 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease and at least 200,000 have the early-onset form.