I have been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. At age 53. In 5 to 10 years I will be dead. In 2 to 5 years I will be living in a facility. This is all very weird for me.
Not only is my onset early, I was diagnosed early so I am aware of the changes I'm experiencing. (For now)
Be patient. It's not my fault. But I'm changing.
I have a history of concussion with loss of consciousness. This has happened 6 times in my life. I also have a neurological issue that made me completely deaf in one ear. Genetic testing showed I carry two variants for Alzheimer's disease, increasing my risk 12-fold. I also had multiple brain MRIs this year to assess my function.
After a year of noticing smaller issues, I was referred for testing with a specialist neurologist. More testing, more blood work, more genetic testing and hours or neuropsychological testing.
All this led to a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment secondary to Traumatic Brain Injury.
That diagnosis has advanced now to Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. At 53 years old.
Now you know.
