A woman whose husband was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2023 has opened up about the small, early changes that first caught her attention.
Anthony and Karen Sandone say their world shifted dramatically around three years ago, when Anthony received the diagnosis — something neither of them expected.
Alzheimer’s and dementia are often linked with older adults, and the condition is indeed most frequently seen in people aged 65 and above.
Still, it can also affect people younger than 65. When it does, it’s typically described as “early-onset.”
Anthony was 55 when he was diagnosed, and Karen has since shared the early clues she noticed before things became clearer.
Replying to a comment on her TikTok account (@ksandone), Karen said: “The first sign was word recall and having trouble with finishing his sentences. Then we noticed other symptoms-short term memory, could not follow GPS, etc… technology became a huge issue as well.”
In a recent interview with People Magazine, it was reported that Anthony had been dealing with memory problems and difficulties with language before his official diagnosis.
Speaking about how the condition affects everyday life for her and their family, Karen told the outlet: “What has surprised me most is my own endurance. I did not know I could live in a near-constant state of alertness and still lead with love. Some mornings, I want to sit quietly and take everything in, but those moments do not last long.
“Instead, I am grateful for the time we have together in the mornings, knowing that this time together, too, may change. I have found a strength I never asked for, but one I now rely on every single day.”
Doctors and researchers note that early-onset Alzheimer’s can present differently compared with cases diagnosed after 65, and symptoms may not always match common expectations.
Nick Fox, described as a “leading expert in young-onset,” outlined warning signs in a first-person article for The Telegraph, highlighting changes that may be overlooked.
He pointed out that while shifts in motivation can be normal at certain times, a persistent lack of drive may sometimes suggest something more serious.
He explained: “Our frontal lobes are important for motivation, so people with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may simply not want to do anything at all, even if someone else organises it for them.”
According to Fox, potential personality changes can include a strong preference for sweet foods or dressing in noticeably “unusually bright clothes.”
He also said other possible indicators include “developing rigid routines, or becoming obsessed with certain foods, activities or television programmes.”
If you’ve been affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact the Alzheimer’s Association via 800.272.3900 open 24 hours seven days a week.