Can You Get Alzheimer’s in Your 30s? Signs to Watch For

Alzheimer’s is usually associated with older age, but it can very rarely affect younger adults. Doctors often call this young-onset or early-onset Alzheimer’s, meaning symptoms begin before age 65. Mayo Clinic notes that young-onset Alzheimer’s is rare, affecting about 41 in every 100,000 people between ages 30 and 64.

That does not mean every memory lapse in your 30s is Alzheimer’s. Stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, medication effects, alcohol use, and other treatable conditions can cause similar symptoms. The important difference is whether the changes are persistent, worsening, and interfering with normal life. Here are 10 signs worth watching.