A hidden clue linked to early-onset dementia may appear years before memory problems become obvious – and researchers say that symptoms can show up somewhere few people would expect.

While many people associate dementia with memory loss later in life, experts say early-onset dementia (EOD) can affect adults younger than 65, sometimes years before symptoms become obvious.

According to the Mayo Clinic, EOD accounts for about 5% of all cases and, although rare, can develop in people in their 40s, 30s and, in exceptional cases, even younger.

“Memory loss is the key symptom…Early in the disease, people may have trouble remembering recent events or conversations. Over time, memory gets worse and other symptoms occur,” the medical clinic explains.

For years, memory loss has been considered the hallmark of dementia, but researchers now believe the condition may leave other clues long before those symptoms become obvious.

Shows up in the workplace
A new study published in the journal Neurology suggests that one of the earliest measurable changes may show up at work.

The study examined 793 people diagnosed with EOD at two Finnish hospitals over a 12-year period.

“Of those with dementia, 421 had Alzheimer’s disease, 179 had frontotemporal dementia, 46 had alpha-synucleinopathies, which include dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia, and 147 had other forms of dementia including vascular cognitive disorders and mixed dementias,” the report explains of the people who were included.

After comparing the employment and earnings records of the study participants with 7,926 people of the same age and sex who did not have dementia, researchers found those with EOD experienced “declining work capacity, increased unemployment, and premature workforce exit, often several years before diagnosis.”

On average, participants – “during peak working years” – earned about $13,800 less per year than people without dementia, with the difference appearing as early as 15 years before diagnosis. And, over time, the decline translated into an estimated $86,000 in lost wages per person.

‘Economic impact’ of EOD
“Early-onset dementia affects people during their most productive years and is associated with a decreased ability to work, increased unemployment and leaving jobs sooner than planned,” study author Dr. Eino Solje said in a press release shared with the American Academy of Neurology.

“These changes can reduce household income and contribute to broader economic impact. Our study found an association between reduced work productivity and early-onset dementia up to 15 years before diagnosis.”

The researchers stressed that the findings do not prove early-onset dementia caused the decline in productivity. Instead, they found an “association” between reduced work performance and people who were later diagnosed with the condition.

“Our study found productivity loss was strikingly large, with losses beginning up to 15 years before diagnosis,” Solje repeated, highlighting the early signs of EOD.

“These findings may partly be explained by delays in diagnosis, which can prolong the period of unrecognized symptoms, and they underscore the harmful, long-term socioeconomic impact of early-onset dementia.”

Solje explained that future research should combine employment records with neuropsychological testing to better understand how cognitive changes develop over time. He also called for interventions that could help prevent or delay the decline in productivity before a diagnosis is made.

Recognizing the symptoms
Researchers say changes at work are only one possible piece of the puzzle and should not be viewed on their own as a sign of dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, early symptoms can include difficulty remembering appointments, completing everyday tasks that were once routine and following ordinary conversations.

As the disease progresses, people may also experience confusion about time or place, noticeable mood or personality changes, increasing suspicion of friends or family members and worsening memory loss.

Although there is currently no cure for dementia, treatments are available that may help slow the progression of the disease in some people.

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