Living with Early-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease
A form of Alzheimer disease that runs in families and begins before age 65, causing memory and thinking changes.
Understanding Early-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease
It is diagnosed in families with more than one member with Alzheimer disease, usually in multiple generations, where symptoms start before age 60, often between ages 30 and 60. Alzheimer disease is a brain disease that causes gradual loss of memory, judgment, and the ability to function socially.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Trouble with language
- Changes in social behavior
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Alzheimer's Foundation of America may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Alzheimer's Foundation of America
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Alzheimer's Foundation of America and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in the APP, PSEN1, or PSEN2 genes cause these forms. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can cause it.
Also known as: early-onset familial alzheimer disease; early-onset familial autosomal dominant alzheimer disease; eofad; familial alzheimer disease
Patient organizations
- Alzheimer's Foundation of AmericaEarly-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease · United States
- Alzheimer's AssociationEarly-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease · United States
- BrightFocus FoundationEarly-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease · United States
- YoungtimersEarly-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Early-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease.
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