A 41-year-old man is opening up about his early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis — and the first symptom that caught his attention didn’t happen while he was awake.
Fraser, who shares his journey on YouTube, revealed that long before he got an official diagnosis, he noticed something unusual happening in his sleep: his dreams stopped changing.
He explained that about two and a half years before his diagnosis, he began waking up with a strange sense of déjà vu. Night after night, the same dreams — no variation, no shift. Along with that came another red flag: his sleep quality started to decline.
“I just didn’t feel rested,” he said in a video for his YouTube channel. “And I realized — my dreams weren’t evolving. It was the same thing every time. That’s when I knew something was off.”
For Fraser, one of the earliest daytime symptoms was forgetfulness. Not the kind where you lose your keys now and then — but forgetting entire experiences. He described watching a movie with his partner, only to be told they’d already seen it together just a month earlier. He had no recollection.
He also shared a moment playing golf with friends where he struggled to remember the names of the clubs or landmarks on the course — things he’d known for years.
What is Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the U.S., affecting more than 6.7 million Americans over the age of 65 — but about 200,000 people are living with early-onset Alzheimer’s, which begins before 65.
Many of those affected are in their 40s and 50s. In the early stages, it can be mistaken for stress, overwork, or even depression.
The Alzheimer’s Association lists the early warning signs as:
- Forgetting recent conversations, names, or events
- Misplacing items more often than usual
- Struggling to find the right word
- Repeating questions or statements
- Poor decision-making or judgment
- Increased hesitation or resistance to change
- Mood swings or noticeable changes in behavior
As the disease progresses, symptoms often become more intense and disruptive:
- Disorientation or getting lost in familiar places
- Difficulty with language or spatial tasks
- Changes in sleep patterns or vivid hallucinations
- Increased anxiety, depression, or paranoia
- Repetitive or compulsive behaviors
- Needing more help with daily tasks
When to Seek Help
The Alzheimer’s Association encourages anyone experiencing persistent memory issues, confusion, or changes in thinking to see a doctor as early as possible.
While there is currently no cure, early diagnosis means access to treatments that can slow progression, connect you with support systems, and help plan for the future.
Fraser’s message is clear: trust yourself when something feels off — even if it’s just in your dreams. “If you feel something changing, even if it’s subtle, talk to someone. I wish I had spoken up earlier.”
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