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Early onset at age 60

Hello, my husband was recently diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's at age 60. We live in the Erie, PA area. The support groups in the area don't seem to fit our demographic. Although we do enjoy the company of folks older than us, some of the challenges we are facing are a lot different than if we were in our later years. Any suggestions on where to find a support system specifically for people in our age range? I really appreciate any guidance!

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  • sandwichone123
    sandwichone123 Member Posts: 1,098
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    I found that this group is the best—although many people here are much older than we are, the support is invaluable. I also think people dealing with younger onset are more common here than in other support settings.

    Early on I went to a local support group, although I had to take time off work to do so. That was really helpful in understanding people's perceptions, but most of all in recommendations for memory care facilities. I placed my dh 11 days after his 60th birthday.

  • trottingalong
    trottingalong Member Posts: 826
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    on the main page search for early onset and you should be able to find other families in the same situation. I know there have been 2-3 in the last six months. Then you can private message them. I believe a couple of people did a connection this way. You can also try contacting your local agency on aging and they may know of something also.

  • trottingalong
    trottingalong Member Posts: 826
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    Well said. This site has become my lifeline. I have learned so much from others.

  • Biggles
    Biggles Member Posts: 582
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    Absolutely agree with PBS and the others this is the best place to learn, to vent, to virtual cry. The understanding and compassion that comes from this group is much more valuable and knowledgeable than any of the professionals that I have talked to. Wonderful wonderful members.

  • pollyvonr
    pollyvonr Member Posts: 5
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    Thank you for your reply, Sandwichone123. I appreciate your guidance!

  • pollyvonr
    pollyvonr Member Posts: 5
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    Thank you, Trottingalong. I appreciate the idea and will see if I can connect with someone in my area that way!

  • pollyvonr
    pollyvonr Member Posts: 5
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    Thank you for your reply, BPS. I'm sorry to hear about your wife. I appreciate your honest feedback and value your opinion!

  • pollyvonr
    pollyvonr Member Posts: 5
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    Thanks, Biggles. I'm glad to have found such a valuable support resource!

  • Leender
    Leender Member Posts: 2
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    We are early in all this - my DH is 64 - he gets pretty sad and despondent when he thinks about what's going on with him. Any thoughts about what I can do or say? He gets so frustrated when he can't do something. He also sys he just wants to get better.

  • FaerieCrone
    FaerieCrone Member Posts: 2
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    I am so sorry for your situation. My spouse says the same thing. But when I pose that question to him to get his opinion on something he has a hard time remembering how we did something before that worked in that specific situation. I have had to take over driving (which my husband hates). I ask my spouse often “I’m here to help you but you treat me like I’m the one doing this to you.” I get he is lashing out. But man it’s hard to take because his dad is so easy going through his journey with dementia. He just accepts everything that is happening.
  • midge333
    midge333 Member Posts: 616
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    @FaerieCrone : You are damned if you help and damned if you don't. I walked on egg shells for years and it was tough. PWD also lose empathy for others so your DH cannot understand things from your perspective. I am sorry you are going through this.

  • Goodlife2025
    Goodlife2025 Member Posts: 136
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    Sounds as if my DW is a bit further along in her journey but when she asks or mentions wanting to get or be better I just keep assuring her she is doing fantastic and if she questions me further or more deeply I say it again and add especially given "our" circumstances. She seems to take this as assurance she is doing okay and things are good (they're not). Keep trying, you will find the right words that make a difference for your DH.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more