World's youngest Alzheimer's patient is just 19!
The condition stays hidden and creeps up in people once they reach a certain age bracket. It is commonly seen in older adults who are above the age of 65. However, in some cases, the disease even showed up in people in their 30s and 40s.
Recently, researchers in China came across the world's youngest Alzheimer's patient. Published in theJournal of Alzheimer's Disease, the Chinese researchers from Capital Medical University's Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing reported a case of a 19-year-old earlier this year in February who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Their findings shed light on the possibility of cognitive impairment occurring in young individuals in their teens.
First reported by theSouth China Morning Post, the study said that the 19-year-old male exhibited a gradual decline in memory in the span of two years. They noted that the young man displayed typical characteristics of Alzheimer's disease, including memory loss and hippocampal atrophy, as early indicators of the condition. The report stated that the young patient started struggling two years ago with his high school studies before seeking medical consultation.
He had difficulties concentrating on his studies. Within a year, his situation worsened and started showing signs of short-term memory loss. He was unable to remember events from the previous day, locate his belongings, or complete his homework.
His memory continued to decline, leading him to withdraw from high school. The researchers conducted an auditory verbal learning test, which revealed significant impairment in the patient's memory. The test assessed immediate recall, short-delay free recall, long-delay free recall, and long-delay recognition.
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