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Living with Younger/Early-Onset Alzheimer's
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If you have early-onset (also known as younger-onset) Alzheimer's or another dementia, you can live a fulfilling life. There are many ways to stay active and resources to help.

Planning
10 tips
Finance

Family & friends
Alzheimer's care


Planning for early-onset challenges

People with early-onset Alzheimer's and other forms of early-onset dementia face unique challenges when it comes to job decisions, financial issues and future care. Using available resources and talking openly about these issues can help you and your family prepare for the future. Sign up for our e-newsletter and  get tips for living with younger-onset Alzheimer's as well as ideas on how you can support the fight to end Alzheimer's.

It's important to know that

Learn more: If You Have Alzheimer's, Coping with Changes, Staying Independent, Treatment, Planning Ahead

10 Tips for Living with Younger-Onset Alzheimer's

  1. Expect to have good days and bad days.
  2. Share your story — educate others and express yourself.
  3. Discuss changes in relationships with a counselor.
  4. Talk openly about the changes the disease is causing. Share feelings with friends and family, and someone who can help with spiritual needs.
  5. Get involved. Volunteer in your community. Become an advocate.
  6. Talk to your employer about adapting your job hours or duties.
  7. Get professional legal and financial help.
  8. Maintain your health and reduce stress.
  9. Take steps to make your home a safer place.
  10. Stay active. Keep making memories with your loved ones. Use your experience to enlighten.

Finances

Access to Social Security

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has added early-onset Alzheimer's to the list of conditions under its Compassionate Allowance Initiative, giving those with the disease expedited access to Social
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Visit our Social Security Disability Resource page for information on applying.

Take action by meeting with a qualified financial consultant or an attorney to discuss current and future investments, insurance and retirement options.

  • Learn if long-term care insurance is still an option.
  • Find out about government assistance programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Review your employer-provided or personal disability insurance policies.
  • Research college scholarship and grant money for your children.
  • Investigate early retirement or other financial planning options if you are still working.
  • Organize financial information and other important documents in one place. Go over them with your spouse or partner.

Learn more: Job Decisions, Legal Planning, Financial Matters, Social Security

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Family and friends

Your spouse or partner. Your mate or partner may feel a sense of loss or loneliness as a result of the changes the diagnosis brings.
>> Get tips on what you can do to help your loved one.

Your child. Children often experience a wide range of emotions. Younger children may be afraid that they will get the disease or that they did something to cause it. Teenagers may become resentful when they have to take on more responsibilities around the home.
>> Get tips on what to do to help your child.

Your friends. Friends, co-workers and neighbors may not understand what is happening to you. Some may keep their distance. They may not know what to do or say, and may be waiting for you to reach out to them.
>> Get tips on how to help your friends.

Your community. Connecting with others coping with a similar diagnosis can provide a powerful form of support.
>> Join our online community.

Alzheimer's care

A Plan in Place: Janet is in the early stages of younger-onset Alzheimer's. She's doing well now, but realizes that eventually she'll have to stop driving. Watch as she talks with her family about a future plan.

Many people with Alzheimer's continue to live at home after their diagnosis. If you choose to do so, it is helpful to work with your family to prepare for changes in the household. Have discussions now about topics that will have to be addressed later, such as driving and care options. Find adult day care programs and residential care settings that know how to assist people with early-onset Alzheimer's. Gather information about local services, such as in-home help.

Learn more: Community Resource Finder, Safety Center, Keeping Your Independence, Adult Day Care, Dementia & Driving Center


Help is available

If you have early onset-Alzheimer's you are not alone. There are many ways to stay active and involved.


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Alzheimer's Association

Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's
Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.