Early Onset Alzheimer's at 49

ForgetmenotJen

Hello,

I was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in October at the age of 49.

I've had the the test and it does show I have one variance of the APOE/4 gene and the only kind of Alzheimer's we have my family is on my mom's side and they were diagnosed in their middle to late '70s.

This is just been a shock I knew something was wrong but I just thought I was getting old.

My career for the past 25 years has been IT services and analyzing and the last job I had this summer or tried to get I got fired because I couldn't complete a certification for the first time in my life.

I have to say this is extremely humbling and I think I'd rather have cancer.

Right now Im going to speech therapy and physical therapy and doctor's appointments and dealing with disability.

I'm allowed to drive locally and on the highways with no interstate but they let me know that I usually isn't long before they I fail the test, I won't be able to drive it all.

This just isn't what I thought my life would be and I'm just trying to catch up with it all. I thought I had a lot of time but I was diagnosed with the 4-8 year prognosis.

Jen

kmcampbell0617

I was just diagnosed at 51 on December 28th 2025. I have been a orthopedic level 1 xray tech for 13 years. I got fired in 2024 and had 4 jobs since. I can remember how to do all things xray but can't learn new admin processes or names. I just lost a job at a grocery store because I got the wrong day.

Ive never been this depressed in my life. I dont know what to do.

ForgetmenotJen

I totally understand that. The are some great jobs for IT but I know I'll just be fired again.

My life is Alzheimer's Physical therapy, speech therapy, neurologist,PCP, homework to keep what I do have. It SUCKS!! I hope they figure this out for us friend! ❤️

lindajny

Oh goodness you have a lot to deal with and process! I wish I could impart some great wisdom but I too am at a loss. Do you a a local Alzheimer’s support group you could attend? I found calling the Alzheimer’s hotline very comforting and helpful.