A dementia diagnosis is devastating. What happens when you’re only 48?

Mark Breslaw, a 50-year-old former human resources executive, recently received a diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer's disease. This form of dementia is rare, affecting only about 28,000 Canadians in 2020, but is projected to increase to over 40,000 by 2050. Young-onset Alzheimer's is diagnosed in individuals under 65, a demographic that typically faces unique challenges.

Breslaw initially dismissed his memory issues, attributing them to stress and lack of sleep, but after repeated episodes of getting lost and struggling with daily tasks, he sought medical help. His diagnosis came after a series of tests and scans, which revealed the presence of amyloid beta protein, a marker of Alzheimer's disease.

The diagnosis hit Breslaw and his family hard, as young people are often expected to remain healthy and productive. Breslaw had to retire from his job and relinquish his driver's license due to spatial impairment. The financial implications of the disease are also daunting, as Alzheimer's can last for a decade or more, with no cure currently available.

Breslaw's wife continues to work full-time to support the family, and they are concerned about managing future expenses as his condition worsens and their eight-year-old son's post-secondary education expenses come due.