What Is Early-Onset Dementia?

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When Bruce Willis’ family announced in February 2023 that the actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), it served as a reminder that dementia can strike some people earlier in life than we may expect.

A diagnosis of early-onset dementia can be an emotional and challenging experience. It is natural that you may have many questions and concerns over what the future holds, such as why did this happen? How do I recognize the symptoms? Where to turn to for help?

Here, we discuss some of the most common topics and attempt to answer questions about early-onset dementia.

What is early-onset dementia?

Dementia generally describes a decline in mental health often characterized by symptoms such as forgetfulness, a lack of reasoning, and language difficulties. Various diseases can cause types of dementia — for example, most of us have heard of Alzheimer's disease. However, this is just one of many possible causes of dementia.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s is a less-common type of dementia that affects people under the age of 65 and accounts for around 5% to 6% of all Alzheimer's cases.

Though Willis’ family has said he did not receive an official diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (another type of dementia) until 2023, they apparently noticed signs years earlier.

Recognizing the first signs of early-onset dementia

Cognitive changes, such as memory loss, can happen over time but are often the first indicators of early-onset dementia, such as early-onset Alzheimer’s. Frequently forgetting names, dates, and places and being unable to recall recent information is generally more serious and different from occasionally forgetting to water your houseplants and then remembering later on.

In addition to memory loss, a symptom of early-onset dementia may be a struggle to find the right words during everyday conversation, with a noticeable deterioration in communication skills for some individuals.

If routine tasks such as getting to the office on time, preparing lunch, or carrying out familiar work assignments become increasingly difficult, it’s likely time to seek help.

Understanding symptoms and getting the right help

Behavioral changes typically become more evident as the condition progresses. Withdrawing from social situations and being less interested in personal care, such as neglecting to take prescribed medicine, can be common with early-onset dementia.

At the same time, emotional changes such as depression, apathy, and sudden mood swings can occur. Sometimes extreme irritability and feelings of hopelessness for no apparent reason can be clues to early-onset dementia.

The important thing to remember, however, is that with the right help from people who can offer compassion and understanding, symptoms can be managed to ensure the best quality of life.

An insight into possible causes of early-onset dementia

Researchers do not fully understand the cause of early-onset dementia. However, there are some factors that may contribute to the development of the condition.

One form of early-onset dementia is early-onset Alzheimer's disease. With this disease, it is thought that nerve cells in the brain are being damaged by the buildup of two proteins, beta-amyloid and tau, resulting in cognitive problems.

While restricted blood flow to the brain can cause vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia refers more specifically to a decline in function of the front part of the brain, and generally tends to affect someone at a younger age than other types of dementia. In addition, genetics and other medical conditions may contribute to early-onset dementia, but the exact causes of it have not yet been determined. As research continues, it may lead to more potential treatment options.

Reach out for compassionate help and support

As worrying as a diagnosis of early-onset dementia can be, it is not a path you must walk alone. Remember to get help as soon as possible. Having access to all available resources — such as professional healthcare, local support groups, and mental health organizations — can tremendously impact your journey when living with the condition. These resources will help to ensure that the best physical, mental, and emotional care is available for you or your loved one.

If you have recently been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, spend time considering your work and speaking to your employer. Together with your family, plan for the care you want and may need. Don’t hesitate to seek expert advice if you have questions or need support.

Staying active and engaged in the process of getting care and support in the first stages of early-onset dementia will help you and the people closest to you better understand how to ease the challenges of living with the condition as time passes.

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