Fraser, a 41-year-old father from Australia, was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease eight months ago, after experiencing symptoms for about two years. Initially, his memory issues were subtle, like forgetting a movie he had watched just a month prior, despite watching it in full. Over time, Fraser noticed more significant cognitive struggles, including difficulty with deep thinking and concentrating. One of his most concerning episodes involved becoming frantic when he couldn’t reach his daughter, despite her telling him earlier that she would be at the cinema. He became so worried he was about to call the police, only to later realize she had simply been at the movies, as she had mentioned.
Early Onset Alzheimer’s typically affects those under 65, and Fraser’s diagnosis at such a young age was a shock. Although there is no cure, an early diagnosis can improve the quality of life. Fraser has since developed a system with his daughters to stay in touch and avoid similar incidents. Experts suggest that factors like delayed REM sleep could indicate early signs of the disease, as Alzheimer’s can cause memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior.
