Early onset Alzheimer’s disease affects a small portion of the Australian population. Sharing similar traits to late onset Alzheimer’s, this disease develops in people under the age of 65. In some rare cases it can develop in those in their 30’s or 40’s.
Irrespective of family history and genetics, little is known about how early onset Alzheimer’s starts.
Symptoms of early onset Alzheimer’s include forgetting things, losing track of time and place, trouble conversing, severe mood swings, social withdrawal, confusion, and behaviour changes. These symptoms generally worsen over time.
Living with early onset Alzheimer’s can feel confronting and scary. But careful forward planning and coping strategies can help lessen this feeling. So, what does that entail?
Planning ahead
In the early days of the disease, it’s important to think about the future. This can help relieve a lot of stress and confusion down the track for both you and those around you.
Consider things like financial planning, obtaining relevant health insurance cover and organising and signing off any important documents. Chat to your employer about your duties and capabilities moving forward.
Discuss your preferences and wishes regarding ongoing care and treatments with your family and friends.
Reduce stress
Stress and depression are among the most common symptoms of early onset Alzheimer’s and one of the best treatments is physical activity. Physical activity improves mood and helps to establish a routine and encourage social interaction. It also helps with mobility.
One study indicated that physical activity significantly decreased the risk and number of falls.
The earlier an exercise routine is established the higher the likelihood is that you’ll maintain it. Any form of movement is good and if you’re already a runner, walker, or gym goer there’s no reason to stop. Just be sure to reassess your exercise type over time.
Talking
Talking can be the best form of therapy. Keeping those around you, including your healthcare team, in the loop about how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking is beneficial. It allows other people help you to live the fullest life.
Talk openly with your close family about the future. Try to explain and help children understand what you’re living with and how this might progress. Doing so may feel scary, but for them, the unknown is likely worse.
Join a support group or online community where you can openly vent your frustrations while sharing your wins. Encourage your partner to do the same. It’s important that they get external support too.
Home sweet home
Create a home that supports your independent living by making changes sooner rather than later. Discuss changes with family and ask for their input as they may think of things you don’t.
Consider things like labelling all drawers and cupboards so it’s easier to find things. Try to keep things like your phone, wallet, and keys together. Use sticky notes with instructions where needed and check all electrics around the house to ensure there are no obvious safety hazards.
Over time, you may need to reassess things and implement more changes when needed.
Reach out for support
If you’re living with early onset Alzheimer’s, there are a range of health professionals who can help you now and into the future. These include neurologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychiatrists.
Connecting with others who have early onset Alzheimer’s is worthwhile. Support groups provide a way to connect with others who share your experiences. Check out Dementia Australia for more information, resources, and support programs.
Reaching out to an external health provider for support is also worthwhile. NDIS and private insurance can be used to find, and fund, professional support. This can take pressure off for a range of day-to-day activities, or simply help keep you and your routine on track.
Unidex Healthcare is a registered NDIS provider, including Plan Management and Assist-Personal Activities (accurate at the time of publishing). Please contact us for further information.
Overall wellbeing
Looking after your overall wellbeing is important for maintaining optimal health. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet ensures that you have mental and physical energy.
Eat a healthy diet which incorporates fresh vegetables, legumes, whole grains, protein, and essential fatty acids found in nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish. Avoid refined foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and saturated fats.
Good sleep habits are also vital. Lack of sleep can cause fogginess and confusion which can exacerbate existing symptoms.
Try to stick to the same wind down routine every night so that you when it’s time for bed, you’re sleepy.
Try listening to music, turning off phones and the TV or having a relaxing bath. Avoid any stimulants like alcohol or caffeine and ensure your room is quiet, dark and a comfortable temperature.
Living with early onset Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and the right support you can continue to live a full and rewarding life.
Author – Unidex Healthcare Recruitment
