A teenager in China has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. At 19, he is the youngest person in the world to be diagnosed with the disease, which most patients do not develop until old age. The first symptoms appeared in him at the age of 17 years.
The young man experienced gradual memory loss and had difficulty concentrating. Even as a 17-year-old, he couldn’t remember what happened the previous day or where he put things. In addition, his reactions were delayed and he had difficulty reading.
The teen was given the auditory verbal learning test developed by the World Health Organization and the University of California to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. This test revealed a memory impairment and further medical tests eventually confirmed Alzheimer’s disease.
No gene mutation in the current case
Unlike other young people with Alzheimer’s, the 19-year-old does not have a genetic mutation. The previously youngest Alzheimer’s patient (21 years old) also had a gene mutation.
The majority of Alzheimer’s patients are older than 65 years
Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. The disease usually occurs in old age – the majority of Alzheimer’s patients are 65 and older. Other factors that influence the disease are genetics, lifestyle and environmental influences. Alzheimer’s cannot be cured; prompt diagnosis and early treatment can slow progression.
Source: Krone
I am an experienced and passionate journalist with a strong track record in news website reporting. I specialize in technology coverage, breaking stories on the latest developments and trends from around the world. Working for Today Times Live has given me the opportunity to write thought-provoking pieces that have caught the attention of many readers.
