Natalie Morales Opens Up About Mother-in-Law’s Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

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CBS News correspondent Natalie Morales has shared her personal experience with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the profound impact of the diagnosis on her family and the urgent need for greater awareness about brain health.

The diagnosis of Morales’ mother-in-law, Kay Rhodes, with early-onset Alzheimer’s at around age 53 sparked a lifelong reflection on memory loss and cognitive decline. Rhodes lived with the disease for 17 years, passing away in March 2014 at age 72. While her body remained physically robust, Morales described how her mother-in-law’s mind “was far gone” by the end of her battle with the disease.

“When you’re dealt that blow, whether as the patient, as a caregiver or as part of the family, it’s a blow that affects the entire family,” Morales told Forbes. “And it certainly did with our families.”

Early-onset Alzheimer’s—defined as symptoms appearing before age 65—accounts for a small but devastating share of all cases. Morales’ story underscores the unique challenges faced by younger patients and their families, who often contend with the disease during their most productive years. Unlike late-onset Alzheimer’s, which typically develops in the 60s or later, early-onset cases progress more rapidly and may present with atypical symptoms, including memory gaps, difficulty with language, or personality changes.

Morales’ advocacy extends beyond personal reflection. In a recent Instagram post (verified as a paid partnership), she promoted awareness about early symptomatic Alzheimer’s, directing viewers to Kisunla, a treatment option for the disease. While she clarified she does not take Kisunla (donanemab-azbt), her involvement reflects the growing public discussion around emerging therapies for Alzheimer’s.

Understanding Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, leading to neuron death and cognitive decline. Early-onset Alzheimer’s, though rare—representing roughly 5–10% of all cases—often carries a genetic component. Some mutations in genes like APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 are strongly linked to familial early-onset cases, though most cases remain sporadic.

Symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s may differ from those in older adults. Younger patients are more likely to experience:

• Memory lapses that disrupt daily life (e.g., forgetting recent conversations or appointments)
• Difficulty with problem-solving or planning
• Confusion about time or place
• Mood changes, including depression or apathy
• Withdrawal from work or social activities

Unlike Rhodes’ case, some early-onset patients may exhibit motor symptoms, such as unsteady gait or tremors, resembling Parkinson’s disease. Early diagnosis is critical, as emerging treatments—including monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid—may slow progression when administered in the earliest stages.

Treatment Landscape: Progress and Challenges

In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s, including:

• Aducanumab (Aduhelm®): The first FDA-approved amyloid-targeting therapy, though its clinical benefit remains debated.
• Lecanemab (Leqembi®): Showed modest slowing of cognitive decline in trials, with a more favorable safety profile.
• Donanemab (Kisunla®): Recently approved for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s, targeting amyloid with a mechanism similar to lecanemab.

These drugs are not cures but may delay symptom progression by reducing amyloid plaques. However, access remains limited by cost, eligibility criteria, and the need for frequent imaging to monitor brain changes. Morales’ advocacy aligns with broader calls for improved screening, earlier intervention, and reduced stigma around cognitive decline.

Researchers continue to explore non-pharmacological strategies, including lifestyle modifications. Morales, an avid advocate for brain health, emphasizes the role of physical activity, mental stimulation, and social engagement in mitigating risk. “It’s about taking care of your brain like you would your heart,” she noted in the Forbes interview.

What Comes Next?

The Alzheimer’s disease field is at a pivotal moment. Clinical trials for next-generation therapies—including tau-targeting drugs and combination treatments—are underway. Meanwhile, public awareness campaigns, like those Morales supports, aim to destigmatize early symptoms and encourage proactive health discussions.

For individuals with a family history of early-onset Alzheimer’s, genetic counseling and regular cognitive assessments may be advisable. The Alzheimer’s Association and National Institute on Aging offer resources for risk evaluation and early intervention.

Morales’ story serves as a reminder that Alzheimer’s is not an inevitable part of aging—It’s a disease that demands attention, research, and compassion, particularly for those diagnosed before 65.

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