{"id":4223,"date":"2023-05-20T00:30:49","date_gmt":"2023-05-20T04:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/55\/?p=4223"},"modified":"2023-05-20T00:36:01","modified_gmt":"2023-05-20T04:36:01","slug":"does-dementia-only-affect-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/55\/florida\/sarasota\/does-dementia-only-affect-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Alzheimer\u2019s and Dementia Only Affect Seniors?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alzheimer\u2019s disease and dementia are progressive conditions that affect the brain. Individuals diagnosed with the condition begin to show a gradual decline in cognitive abilities. While dementia most commonly affects aging adults, even younger people are not immune to developing it.<\/p>\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease is a form of dementia and affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Dementia is not a disease itself but an umbrella term that describes the loss of memory, problem-solving, thinking and language skills that are severe enough to disrupt an individual\u2019s ability to perform daily activities.<\/p>\n

One of the most common forms of dementia<\/a>, Alzheimer\u2019s disease, makes up about 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other forms of dementia are not a normal part of the aging process, and the symptoms worsen over time.<\/p>\n

\"Alzheimers<\/p>\n

Who is most likely to get Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/h2>\n

Aging is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer\u2019s disease. For example, someone who is 70 is more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s disease than someone who is under 70. Most people who develop the condition are aged 65 and over.<\/p>\n

Why are older people most susceptible to Alzheimer’s?<\/h2>\n

Two proteins in the memory centers of the brain are known to be involved in the development of Alzheimer\u2019s disease: amyloid beta plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles. Researchers believe the proteins spread more easily in the aging brain, which is why seniors are most susceptible.<\/p>\n

Most people develop plaques and tangles as they grow older. However, in people with Alzheimer\u2019s disease, these plaques and tangles develop in greater amounts and in more predictable patterns. They spread from the memory center to other regions of the brain.<\/p>\n

Researchers do not fully understand why certain people develop more plaques and tangles than others, nor do they know how they spread. Alzheimer\u2019s disease currently has no cure; however, affected individuals can receive compassionate care at home<\/a> and experience a good quality of life.<\/p>\n

Can Alzheimer’s affect you at any age?<\/h2>\n

People younger than 65 can develop Alzheimer\u2019s disease. It is known as younger-onset Alzheimer\u2019s or early-onset Alzheimer\u2019s. Individuals in their 30s and 40s can develop the disease. However, only a small percentage of people develop early-onset Alzheimer\u2019s; most are in their 40s and 50s when it strikes.<\/p>\n

Disease progression is the same in affected younger people as it is in older adults. Those with early-onset Alzheimer\u2019s may ask the same questions repeatedly, forget important dates, lose track of the day, misplace items, and have trouble keeping up with conversations.<\/p>\n