Latest news with #memoryloss
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I'm a single mother diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 48, so I'm choosing to end my life. But I won't tell my daughter...
When Rebecca walked into her neurologist's office in November, she was anticipating bad news. She had been experiencing mental 'blips' memory lapses, and mid-conversation blackouts for two years, but blamed them on stress. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The Sad Case of The World's Youngest-Ever Alzheimer's Diagnosis
In 2023, neurologists at a memory clinic in China diagnosed a 19-year-old with what they believed to be Alzheimer's disease – making him the youngest person ever to be diagnosed with the condition. The teen first began experiencing memory decline around age 17, with symptoms worsening over time. Brain scans revealed shrinkage in the hippocampus, a region involved in memory, while his cerebrospinal fluid showed biomarkers consistent with Alzheimer's – the most common form of dementia. Although usually associated with older age, early-onset cases of Alzheimer's (those occurring in individuals under age 65) represent up to 10 percent of all diagnoses. Almost all Alzheimer's patients under the age of 30 can have their disease explained by pathological gene mutations, classifying them as having familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). The younger a person is when they receive a diagnosis, the more likely it is caused by an inherited faulty gene. However, researchers at Beijing's Capital Medical University were unable to find any of the usual mutations responsible for the early onset of memory loss, nor any suspect genes, after conducting a genome-wide search. Before this diagnosis in China, the youngest patient with Alzheimer's was 21 years old. They carried the PSEN1 gene mutation, which causes abnormal proteins to build up in the brain, forming clumps of toxic plaques, a common feature of Alzheimer's. Cases like this one pose something of a mystery. None of the 19-year-old's family had a history of Alzheimer's or dementia, making it hard to categorize it as FAD, yet the teenager had no other diseases, infections, or head trauma that could explain his sudden cognitive decline either. Two years before being referred to the memory clinic, the teenage patient began struggling to focus in class. Reading also became difficult and his short-term memory declined. Oftentimes, he couldn't remember events from the day before, and he was always misplacing his belongings. Ultimately, the cognitive decline became so bad, the young man was unable to finish high school, although he could still live independently. A year after being referred to the memory clinic, he showed losses in immediate recall, short-delay recall after three minutes, and long-delay recall after 30 minutes. The patient's full-scale memory score was 82 percent lower than that of peers his own age, while his immediate memory score was 87 percent lower. Long-term follow-up is needed to support the young man's diagnosis, but his medical team said at the time the patient was "altering our understanding of the typical age of onset of AD." "The patient had very early-onset AD with no clear pathogenic mutations," neurologist Jianping Jia and colleagues wrote in their study, "which suggests that its pathogenesis still needs to be explored." The case study, published in February 2023, just goes to show that Alzheimer's doesn't follow a single pathway, and is much more complex than we thought, emerging via numerous avenues with varying effects. In a statement to the South China Morning Post, the neurologists who described the patient's case argued that future studies should focus on early-onset cases to further improve our understanding of memory loss. "Exploring the mysteries of young people with Alzheimer's disease may become one of the most challenging scientific questions of the future," they said. The study was published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. An earlier version of this article was published in February 2023. Compound That Turns People Yellow Could Protect Against Malaria Scientists May Have Finally Figured Out How Bats Avoid Cancer 'Off Switch' in The Brain to Stop Binge Drinking Discovered in Mice
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
'I was unable to walk, talk, or recognise myself after coma'
A man who awoke from a three-month coma with no memory of who he was, says helping others in the same position has given him "purpose". Jamil Hussain, 35, from Lockleaze in Bristol, suffered multiple seizures behind the wheel whilst driving down the M69 during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. He was soon diagnosed with limbic encephalitis - a rare neurological condition that causes inflammation in the brain, leading to epilepsy and severe memory Hussain now acts as a mentor at Henbury's Cygnet Brunel health centre, where he spent 18 months relearning how to walk, talk, and live independently again. "When I woke up, I didn't know who I was or how to do anything," he said. "I couldn't walk, talk or even recognise most people - only my mum. I remember seeing her and knowing who she was but not being able to speak. It was terrifying."He said it was the "scariest" moment of his life and it was his mother who helped him through, despite medics originally telling his family his chance of recovery was "slim".The sight of her familiar face triggered a faint memory of "comfort and safety", which he says "brought him back to reality". He believes that moment forever changed the trajectory of his life."Whenever I feel angry or impulsive, I just remember that moment and think 'that's how close you were to not being able to know anything about yourself, ever again'."I could have been in the hospital for the rest of my life, waiting for my brain to put the pieces back together. I was so lucky, and that keeps me level-headed," he added. In his role as an Expert by Experience, Mr Hussain draws upon his own ordeal to comfort patients and "help them see a way through" their diagnoses."I want to be that beacon of light for others who are in still in the thick of their difficult times, helping them see a way through," he work also involves coaching staff and helping patients feel reassured by someone who's walked in their shoes."I want to show people there is light at the end of the tunnel. Life can be even better than it was before. It gives me purpose," he added.
Medical News Today
3 days ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Living with Alzheimer's disease: Managing symptoms and more
Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP, Family Medicine , Women's Health , Geriatrics , Integrative Medicine , Clinical Research , Jurisprudence , — Written by Zia Sherrell, MPH on June 19, 2025 Living with Alzheimer's disease requires approaches to address daily challenges, behavioral changes, and overall wellness. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It gradually destroys brain cells, leading to severe memory loss, cognitive decline, and eventual inability to carry out basic functions. Structured routines, environmental adjustments, and communication strategies help maintain functioning and dignity. People with Alzheimer's disease face daily challenges, including memory deterioration, confusion, difficulty completing familiar tasks, impaired judgment, and changes in personality or behavior. These symptoms worsen over time, requiring increasing levels of care and support. Despite this, individuals with Alzheimer's disease can maintain quality of life through proper management strategies, support systems, and informed caregiving disease affects each person differently. Some individuals maintain independence for extended periods, while others require assistance with daily activities sooner. Common experiences include memory difficulties, confusion about time and place, challenges with familiar tasks, and changes in mood or personality. Daily life can involve adapting routines, maintaining structure, and coping with changing abilities. Simple adjustments to the home environment, clear communication methods, and memory aids can help maintain independence longer. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills. It causes brain cells to degenerate and die, decreasing cognitive and physical functions. While scientists do not know exactly what causes Alzheimer's disease, they have two main theories . One suggests the disease happens when the brain has a reduction in the chemical brain called acetylcholine, which helps with memory and learning. The other, more widely accepted hypothesis proposes that the brain produces toxic protein fragments called amyloid-beta that clump together, forming plaques that damage brain cells. Age is the most significant risk factor, with most cases developing after age 65, though genetic factors play an important role in some forms of the disease. Current treatments primarily address symptoms rather than stopping the underlying disease process. Managing Alzheimer's disease symptoms involves addressing cognitive and behavioral changes. Approaches must adapt as the condition progresses. Nutrition challenges often occur with Alzheimer's disease. These tips can help: providing regular, nutrient-dense meals to help maintain physical health offering simplified food choices to prevent overwhelming decisions using visual cues and easy-to-handle utensils to promote independence eating in a calm, distraction-free environment to improve focus offering small, frequent meals may work better than three large ones Food texture modifications and proper positioning while eating reduce choking risks for people with swallowing difficulties. People with Alzheimer's disease may forget to drink enough water, which can lead to dehydration and worsen confusion. To help maintain proper hydration, caregivers should place water glasses or bottles in visible locations around the home and use simple visual cues like colorful cups or written reminders. Delirium is a sudden state of confusion and altered awareness that can complicate Alzheimer's disease. Unlike the slow progression of dementia symptoms, delirium develops quickly and requires immediate medical attention. Common delirium triggers include: Recognizing and treating the underlying cause of delirium promptly helps prevent complications and the acceleration of cognitive decline. Maintaining social connections benefits cognitive health and emotional well-being. Social interaction provides stimulation, purpose, and emotional support. Communication adjustments help preserve relationships, including: speaking clearly and simply without being condescending allowing extra time for processing information using visual cues alongside verbal communication focusing on emotions rather than factual accuracy avoiding correcting minor mistakes that do not matter modifying activities to match current abilities Physical health can directly impact cognitive function and quality of life. Maintaining good health requires attention to several key areas: Regular exercise improves mood, sleep quality, and blood circulation. Proper medication management prevents dangerous interactions and ensures treatment effectiveness. Regular health check-ups allow doctors to catch and address medical issues early. Adequate sleep supports brain function and helps reduce confusion. Sensory aids like glasses and hearing devices help people stay connected with their environment. Fall prevention strategies reduce the risk of serious injuries. Working with healthcare professionals to monitor and treat existing health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease helps minimize complications that could worsen cognitive symptoms. Behavioral symptoms often cause significant stress for everyone involved. Common changes include : agitation and restlessness repetitive behaviors or questions sleep disturbances wandering aggression or combativeness suspicion or accusatory behavior Understanding triggers helps prevent or manage these behaviors. Common triggers include physical discomfort, environmental overstimulation, fear, or misinterpreting surroundings. Non-pharmacological approaches work best as first-line interventions, with medications reserved for severe symptoms that compromise safety. During the early stage of Alzheimer's disease, individuals can adopt strategies to maintain independence and quality of life. Their cognitive abilities still allow for active participation in managing the condition. People can benefit from these approaches: Establish consistent daily routines to reduce confusion and provide structure. Use memory aids like calendars, notes, and alarms to track appointments and medications. Simplify the home environment by removing clutter and organizing essentials. Participate in regular physical activity appropriate for fitness level and abilities. Engage in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, music, or modified hobbies. Share the diagnosis with trusted friends and family who can offer support. Explore participation in clinical trials that might advance treatment options. Complete advance directives and legal planning while decision making capacity remains intact. Concentrating on what remains possible rather than focusing on limitations helps preserve self-confidence and extends independence. This positive approach allows individuals to continue participating in meaningful activities and relationships despite the challenges of the disease. Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer's disease involves adaptation as the condition progresses. It is a demanding role that requires practical skills and emotional resilience. Effective caregiving strategies include: learning about the condition through medical professionals and trusted organizations creating a safe home environment by removing hazards and simplifying spaces establishing consistent but flexible routines that can adapt to changing abilities using clear, simple communication with short sentences and visual cues recognizing that difficult behaviors reflect the disease rather than intentional actions prioritizing your own health through regular medical care and stress management connecting with others through support groups who understand similar challenges accepting assistance from family, friends, and community services planning ahead for increased care needs as the disease advances Support resources provide information, practical help, and emotional outlets for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Available options include: Living with Alzheimer's disease involves continuous adaptation to changing abilities. While the condition has challenges, many people maintain their quality of life through symptom management, environmental adjustments, and strong support systems. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers benefit from education, practical strategies, and connection with others who understand the journey. With appropriate resources and care approaches, people can live with dignity despite the condition's progressive nature.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Do you know this man? Mystery as man in his 30s 'suffering memory loss' is found wandering around barefoot
Police have asked for help solving a bizarre case in which a young man suffering memory loss was found wandering barefoot through a busy metropolitan area. Australian Capital Territory Police said the man in his 30s was spotted in a state of confusion outside the Griffin Centre in Canberra about 3.20pm on Wednesday. The man, believed to be named Daniel, was barefoot at the time and wearing a yellow/green t-shirt and grey trousers. Unable to state with any certainty his most basic identifying information, he was transported to a nearby hospital by the ACT Ambulance Service. He told authorities he lived either in south Canberra or New South Wales. Through his memory fog, he told authorities he may drive a white vehicle and could possibly work in an IT or data-related field. He is of Caucasian appearance and a slim build and roughly 175cm in height with blue eyes and red/blonde hair. Police released an image of the mystery man in a hospital bed, his hair closely-cropped with a light covering of red-blonde facial hair. The unidentified man, believed to be named Daniel, was found outside the Griffin Centre in Canberra (pictured) about 3.20pm on Wednesday 'ACT Policing is seeking the public's assistance to identify a man who is suffering from memory loss,' ACT Police said in a statement. 'Anyone who can assist police in identifying Daniel is urged to contact ACT Policing on 131 444.'
