I always thought dementia strikes in old age—until I discovered it’s hitting people as young as 30.

Shocked? You see, dementia doesn’t just wait for retirement to sneak up on you. This life-changing disease can impact individuals in their prime, between the ages of 30 and 65.

But here’s where I want you to pause for a moment:

Have you or someone you know noticed signs of forgetfulness, confusion, or mood changes before hitting the “senior” age bracket? Share your experience by replying to me. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

We’re talking about early-onset dementia, a form of cognitive decline that could be lurking much sooner than most of us ever expected. If you value your health, well-being, and staying sharp, you need to know about this because it can change everything.

Let’s explore why this matters and, more importantly, how we can take steps to reduce our risk and protect our brains starting today.

Our purpose in sharing this? To arm you with the knowledge and tools to live a healthy, thriving life—because dementia doesn’t have to be inevitable. If we understand how it works, how to recognize the signs, and what proactive steps we can take, we stand a better chance of preventing or delaying its impact.

At the core, we believe everyone should have the power to age gracefully—and by gracefully, I mean with a sharp mind, a healthy body, and the joy of staying connected to the people and things we love. That’s why this matters.

Early-Onset Dementia: What It Looks Like

For many of us, dementia brings to mind an image of someone well into their 80s, perhaps struggling with memory loss or confusion. But early-onset dementia doesn’t follow that script.

Instead, it shows up in ways that can easily be mistaken for stress, burnout, or even depression.

Here’s what you should watch for:

• Memory lapses that seem more than just being forgetful.
• Difficulty with everyday tasks like planning, organizing, or making decisions.
• Personality changes—from mood swings to apathy to anxiety.
• Trouble finding the right words during conversations.
• Disorientation in familiar places or with familiar people.

At 40 or 50, these symptoms can easily be dismissed due to a hectic life. But could it be more?

What’s Causing This?

So, why are younger adults increasingly experiencing this?

Several factors contribute to early-onset dementia, from genetic predispositions to lifestyle factors such as cardiovascular health, brain injuries, or even excessive alcohol consumption.

If dementia runs in your family, you might have a higher risk, especially if your genes carry mutations linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s or frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

But here’s the thing: It’s not just genetic.

Your lifestyle—what you eat, move, and handle stress—can also influence your risk. High blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking are known contributors to earlier cognitive decline.

The good news? That means there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

You might be wondering: What can I do today to protect myself or my loved ones from this early onset? The best defense is a proactive approach:

• Stay physically active—exercise isn’t just good for your heart… it boosts your brain health too
• Challenge your mind—keep learning, play games that make you think, and stay mentally engaged
• Eat brain-healthy foods— think of a Mediterranean diet full of healthy fats, leafy greens, and whole grains.
• Manage stress and sleep—poor sleep and chronic stress can accelerate cognitive decline.
• Check your heart health—what’s good for your heart is good for your brain. Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

The Takeaway

Dementia isn’t waiting in the far-off distance of old age—it’s something we need to be aware of right now.

So, now that you know, what’s your next step? Will you take charge of your brain health today, or do you know someone who could benefit from learning this?

The earlier we start, the better our chances of delaying or preventing the impact of dementia. That’s why this matters—not just to those who are aging, but to all of us.