Bollywood’s latest hit Saiyaara, is more than just a love story. The film, which has smashed box office records, tells the emotional tale of a 22-year-old girl (Aneet Padda) diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, a condition rarely seen in someone so young. The film has not only moved audiences but has also raised a question: if this disease can actually happen in young adults.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It slowly destroys memory, thinking, and eventually, the ability to carry out simple tasks. While it usually affects people over the age of 65, experts warn that it can sometimes show up much earlier. This rare form is called early-onset Alzheimer’s.
What is early-onset Alzheimer’s?
According to Johns Hopkins University, when Alzheimer’s appears in people younger than 65, it is called early-onset or younger-onset Alzheimer’s. Although it’s rare, cases have been reported in people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. In some very rare cases, people as young as their 20s may show signs, usually due to specific genetic conditions.
There are two types of early-onset Alzheimer’s:
- Common type: It progresses in the same way as regular Alzheimer’s and is more likely to affect people in their 40s and 50s.
- Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD): An extremely rare inherited form, seen in people as young as their 30s or even late 20s, passed down through certain faulty genes.
What causes Alzheimer’s?
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is still unknown. But researchers believe it involves the build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain, beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These clumps damage and kill brain cells, especially in areas responsible for memory and learning. While everyone develops some plaques and tangles as they age, people with Alzheimer’s have them in larger amounts and much earlier.
Scientists are still studying what causes this abnormal protein build-up. Genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors could all play a role.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
Doctors say early-onset Alzheimer’s has similar symptoms to the late-onset form. Common signs include:
- Memory loss
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Sudden mood changes
- Trouble doing familiar tasks
- Poor spatial awareness (bumping into things)
- Changes in behaviour or personality
Family and friends usually notice these changes before the person does. So if you know someone who might be experiencing any signs like this, then it needs urgent medical attention.
Can you really get it in your 20s?
While it’s incredibly rare, a few global case studies suggest early symptoms can begin in people as young as 20s, especially if they carry certain genetic mutations. A 2022 study published in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease reported one of the youngest confirmed cases of Alzheimer’s in a 19-year-old in China. Though such cases are exceptional, they show that age alone isn’t a guarantee of safety.
Who is most at risk of Alzheimer’s?
Risk factors for early-onset Alzheimer’s include:
- Family history of dementia
- Genetic mutations (especially APP, PSEN1, PSEN2)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease
Can Alzheimer’s be treated?
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments exist to slow its progress and manage symptoms. Early diagnosis is crucial. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, brain-stimulating activities, and managing heart health may also help reduce risk.
