Contrary to popular belief, Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Early-onset Alzheimer's, which accounts for up to ten percent of Alzheimer's cases, affects people under the age of 65 - some in their 40s and 50s.If you have early-onset Alzheimer's disease, it's important to understand that your life is not over. You can live a meaningful and productive life by engaging in the activities and interests you can still enjoy, and finding comfort in your family and friends. Living with Alzheimer's means dealing with some life transitions sooner than you had anticipated. It is important to know that:

• You are still the same person.
• The changes that you are experiencing are because of a disease of the brain – dementia.
• Each person is affected differently and symptoms will vary.
• This is an illness that was not acquired by any action or inaction on your part.
• You will have good and bad days.
• You are not alone. There are people who understand what you are going through and can help. 

SEEKING SUPPORT

Many people are not ready to seek support. Sometimes they feel overwhelmed by the diagnosis, or not well enough to socialize or talk to other people. Apathy and social withdrawal are common and may be experienced early on in the disease.  Understanding this may assist you to embrace help and reach out to others.Sometimes you will encounter well-intentioned people who will challenge your diagnosis and put you on the defensive. You may get comments like, "You don't look like you have Alzheimer's (dementia)", or "What makes you think you have dementia"? If you reply with an anecdotal experience, people may say, "Oh, that always happens to me".

Try not to take this as a personal affront or discounting of your diagnosis. Most people are simply trying to support you as best they know how. Unfortunately, most of society is uneducated about early dementia and have a stereotypical image of someone with dementia as being very old and fragile in appearance and severely cognitively impaired.

One of the best places to get support is by joining a support group with others diagnosed with dementia. It is often very helpful to connect with peers who are experiencing similar feelings and reactions.Click here for a list of Early Stage Support Groups, organized by the New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

Don't be afraid to continue to learn - challenge yourself. Many resources are available to you for the positive support you need. Remember to accept help when it is offered, and ask for help when you need it. Click here for helpful tips on dealing with memory changes.