Telehealth Approaches for Managing Early Onset Dementia
Recognizing And Managing Early Onset Dementia: A Telehealth Approach
While dementia is typically associated with older adults, it can also affect people younger than 65 years old. This is usually referred to as early-onset or young-onset dementia and can be characterized by symptoms involving diminished cognitive function, like working memory problems and problem-solving difficulties. Early-onset dementia can also feature disturbances in one’s emotions that can severely impact daily function.
People with early-onset dementia may experience financial challenges and obstacles at work or school. They might have trouble keeping up with daily responsibilities, particularly if there are challenges with driving or difficulties with following directions. Changes in mood and emotional expression can create significant problems in relationships.
However, with prompt intervention through platforms like ReachLink, people with early-onset dementia may manage their symptoms and maintain their overall well-being. Virtual therapy sessions can be particularly helpful for learning effective coping strategies while eliminating barriers like transportation challenges that might otherwise prevent consistent care.
Recognizing signs of early-onset dementia
Identifying early-onset dementia can be challenging, as symptoms often vary. Additionally, conditions like thyroid problems, certain cancers, and sodium or vitamin B12 deficiency can present with dementia-like symptoms.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be living with early-onset dementia, here are some common signs to watch for:
- Forgetfulness of essential dates or recent information
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Repetitive questions or statements
- Difficulty maintaining a conversation or finding words
- Lack of awareness of the date or time of year
- Challenges with planning and problem-solving
- Easily becoming lost in familiar places
- Frequently misplacing items
- Vision problems that weren’t previously present
- Diminished judgment and decision-making abilities
- Mood changes and emotional volatility
- Changes in behavior or personality
- Decreased interest in social interaction
Over time, these symptoms might increase in severity. Mood swings and behavioral changes may become more intense, and individuals may develop additional symptoms, such as paranoia or distrust of family, friends, and caregivers. Memory and cognitive awareness might decline more rapidly, and individuals might develop trouble with motor skills, such as swallowing or walking.
The diagnostic journey for early-onset dementia
Diagnosing early-onset dementia typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by healthcare professionals. Although an accurate diagnosis is critical for proper treatment, establishing a dementia diagnosis in younger people may be more challenging for several reasons.
Challenges in diagnosing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Early-onset conditions like Alzheimer’s that cause dementia in younger individuals are less common, and some healthcare providers might lack the specialized expertise required to identify them. Additionally, initial dementia symptoms aren’t always obvious and can mistakenly be attributed to mental health challenges like chronic stress or depression.
The comprehensive assessment process
The diagnostic process for early-onset dementia typically involves multiple steps, including:
- A thorough review of medical history, including any family history of dementia or cognitive disorders
- Comprehensive physical examination, including blood tests and other laboratory work
- Neuropsychological evaluation to assess memory, language, reasoning, attention, and other cognitive functions
- Brain imaging studies to provide a picture of the brain’s structure and function
- Genetic testing, especially if there is a family history of dementia
Through ReachLink’s telehealth platform, individuals can connect with specialists who can coordinate these evaluations and provide ongoing support throughout the diagnostic process. Early evaluation by professionals can significantly influence treatment outcomes, potentially helping individuals and families better manage the condition, access appropriate support services, and plan for the future.
Understanding the causes of early-onset dementia
When exploring the causes of dementia, it’s important to understand that dementia isn’t a disease itself but rather a term describing a set of symptoms. There are several possible causes for early-onset dementia, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with an estimated 70% to 80% prevalence rate. Below are other potential causes in order of prevalence.
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
FTD tends to be more commonly seen in cases of early-onset dementia than in individuals over age 65. It is usually caused by damage to neurons in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. The causes of FTD are currently unknown. However, scientists believe it may be genetic in some people.
Vascular dementia
This term generally refers to dementia resulting from damage to blood vessels that reduces oxygen and nutritional circulation in the blood. Diminished vascular function can be caused by stroke, small vessel disease, or transient ischemic attacks, also known as “ministrokes.”
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease, normally caused by diminished dopamine production in the brain, is another potential source of dementia. Parkinson’s dementia often emerges in the later stages of the disorder, after physical symptoms like problems with coordination and tremors have arisen.
Lewy body dementia
This type of dementia can be caused by a buildup of protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain’s nerve cells. Research suggests that Lewy body accumulation may be linked to a loss of specific brain neurons that carry the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and dopamine.
Risk factors for early-onset dementia
A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reveals several potential risk factors for early-onset dementia.
In the study, researchers from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom monitored roughly half a million individuals aged 37 to 73. They found that 485 participants developed early-onset dementia within a decade of the survey.
After comparing participants who developed early-onset dementia with those who did not, they identified eight factors most strongly associated with early-onset dementia:
Primary risk factors
- Genetics: Certain gene alleles appear to be linked to familial Alzheimer’s disease, a primary cause of dementia.
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD): AUD can cause damage to the frontal lobes, leading to problems with executive function and working memory.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Deficiencies in vitamin D can be linked to increased risk for dementia.
- Heart disease/prior stroke: Heart disease can be a common risk factor for stroke. Damage to the brain from a stroke can cause vascular dementia.
- Social isolation:
