The warning signs that led to the diagnosis of dementia in the world’s youngest patient at age 19
Contrary to popular belief, dementia is not a normal part of aging. Although the brain disease is more common in patients over 65 years of age, it can also affect younger people. A 19-year-old man believed to be from Beijing appears to be the youngest patient with a feverish condition. The case report reports the warning signs that led to his “probable” diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Considered the most common type of brain disease, Alzheimer’s disease is believed to be caused by an abnormal buildup of proteins in and around brain cells.
The two key proteins involved in this process are amyloid and tau, the NHS explains.
Tests and brain scans on the 19-year-old showed that his hypothalamus, an area of the brain that plays a role in cognition, has shrunk.
His brain also showed signs of temporal lobe damage and elevated levels of a pesky protein called tau, both hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
It is believed that two years before he was diagnosed, the teenager was experiencing warning signs of dementia.
According to the report, the man struggled with symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, slow reaction times and trouble reading.
By the time he visited the doctors at the Capital Medical University in Beijing, he couldn’t even remember what he had for dinner the night before.
Surprisingly, the 19-year-old had no family history of dementia or a genetic mutation that is commonly seen in very young Alzheimer’s patients.
There are several genetic mutations that can cause an early onset of the mind-bending condition: presenilin 1, presenilin 2, and amyloid precursor protein (APP).
Doctors who released the report last month were puzzled by the teenager’s case.
They said: “This is the youngest case ever reported that meets the diagnostic criteria for probable [Alzheimer’s disease] no recognized genetic mutations.”
According to a study published in the journal Molecular Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Alzheimer’s diagnoses before the age of 65 account for about 5 to 10 percent of all cases.
READ MORE: Young man given three weeks to live after noticing ‘purple spots’ on chest
The disease report’s findings challenge the traditional understanding of Alzheimer’s disease as a condition in the elderly.
The doctors added:[The study] proposed to pay attention to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
“Understanding the mysteries of young people with Alzheimer’s may be one of the most challenging scientific challenges of the future.”
A study of this case was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease on Jan. 31.
What are the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
The National Health Service explains that the warning signs of Alzheimer’s are often confused with other conditions and may initially be attributed to old age.
This is where the importance of being aware of the symptoms comes into play, with early signs including:
- Forgetting about recent conversations or events
- Item loss
- Forgetting the names of places and objects
- Problems finding the right word
- Recurring questions
- Demonstrates shortsightedness or difficulty making decisions
- Become less flexible and more indecisive to try new things.
The Health Service recommends seeing your GP if you are concerned about your memory or suspect that you may have dementia.
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