The difference between early-stage and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease

Early-stage Alzheimer’s disease

Early-stage is the early part of Alzheimer’s disease when problems with memory, thinking and concentration may begin to appear in a doctor’s interview or medical tests. Individuals in the early-stage typically need minimal assistance with simple daily routines. At the time of a diagnosis, an individual is not necessarily in the early stage of the disease; he or she may have progressed beyond the early stage.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease

Early-onset is a diagnosis of the disease when the person is younger than 65. A small percentage of people are diagnosed in their 40s and 50s. Early-onset individuals may be employed or have children still living at home. Issues facing families include ensuring financial security, obtaining benefits and helping children cope with the disease.

- From the Alzheimer's Association.