A dementia diagnosis at 40?  It happens even younger than that. When signs of dementia show up in adults age 65 or younger, it’s called early-onset or young-onset dementia. (Not to be confused with the first—or early—stages of dementia at an older age.)

Sadly, the number of people getting early-onset dementia has skyrocketed over the last 20 years.

“People affected by early-onset dementia are usually in their 40s and 50s, but early-onset dementia is increasingly being diagnosed as early as age 30,” according to the Massachusetts General Hospital website. A 2020 study by Blue Cross Blue Shield looked at how much early-onset dementia grew from 2013 to 2017:

• Ages 30-44: Up 373%
• Ages 45-54: Up 311%
• Ages 55-64: Up 143%

The reason for the growth in cases—which is expected to continue—is not yet known. The best we can do right now is know the risk factors and learn the potential signs of early-onset dementia.

Who Is at Risk?

The results of another large study, reported by Harvard Health Publishing, showed these common risk factors for early-onset dementia:

• A specific genetic factor
• Alcohol use disorder
• Being alone too much
• Not getting enough vitamin D
• Hearing problems
• Past stroke or heart disease
• Diabetes (in men only)

Other possible risk factors include depression, high blood pressure, and less education. As with any disease, having one or more risk factors doesn't mean you will get dementia. Many people with these factors never get the disease.

Warning Signs To Watch For

Early-onset dementia can be tricky to spot because the symptoms often look like stress, depression, or just normal life challenges. Many people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are juggling work, raising children, and caring for aging parents. This makes it easy to dismiss early warning signs.

Here are some key symptoms that could signal early-onset dementia:

• Memory problems that affect daily life: Forgetting important dates, asking for the same information repeatedly, or needing to rely heavily on notes and reminders.
• Trouble planning or solving problems: Having a hard time following a familiar recipe or struggling to manage monthly bills
• Problems doing common tasks: Getting lost driving to a familiar place or forgetting the rules of a favorite game.
• Confusion about time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or where you are.
• Problems with words: Having trouble following conversations, repeating yourself, or struggling to find the right word.
• Poor judgment: Making bad decisions about money, personal care, or safety.
• Mood and personality changes: Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, scared, or anxious, especially in new situations.

If you or a loved one has these symptoms, see a doctor.

Living With Early-Onset Dementia

A diagnosis of early-onset dementia brings unique challenges. Unlike older adults who may be retired, people with early-onset dementia are often still working, raising families, and paying mortgages.

The diagnosis affects not just the person with dementia, but their entire family.

Here are some important steps to take after a diagnosis:

• Plan for the future while you can. This includes legal and financial planning. Set up powers of attorney, update your will, and make decisions about your future care.
• Stay active and engaged. Exercise, social activities, and mental stimulation can help slow the progression of symptoms. Continue doing what you enjoy for as long as possible.
• Build a support network. This might include family, friends, support groups, and doctors. Don't try to handle everything alone.
• Review treatment options. While there's no cure for dementia, some medications and therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Take care of your overall health. Managing other health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression is especially important.

Finding Help and Resources

Many organizations offer support specifically for younger people with dementia and their families. The Alzheimer's Association has support groups and resources for early-onset dementia. Do an online search for your local area agency on aging, which can connect you with local services and resources. Find out if your employer offers workplace accommodations.

Every person's experience with dementia is different. Some people keep their abilities longer than others. Symptoms progress in different ways for different people. What matters most is getting the support you need and making the most of each day.