National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month: Understanding Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that nearly 7 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease, including those diagnosed at an early age.

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

Many believe Alzheimer’s affects only older adults, but over 200,000 Americans diagnosed are under 65. Makeba Huntington-Symons from the Alzheimer’s Association emphasizes the importance of recognizing this fact. Common early signs include memory loss and difficulty with familiar tasks.

Personal Story

Kathleen Mack shares her experience with her husband, Michael, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s just before turning 61. She recalls small signs, like leaving doors and cabinets open, which were initially dismissed as typical aging behaviors.

“It was frustrating,” Kathleen states. “We were robbed of growing old together.” The Mack family hopes to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s through their story.

Educating Others

Makeba Huntington-Symons urges everyone to learn about Alzheimer’s and its impact on younger people. The Alzheimer’s Association provides resources and a 24-7 helpline to assist families.

This November, take the time to understand Alzheimer’s disease and how it affects individuals and families.