Yep, there’s a difference between these two phrases and we need to make sure we’re using the correct one!
I get asked about terminology in geriatrics probably more than I get asked about anything else. “What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?” “Wait, what’s dementia mean?” “What’s MCI?” “What’s early onset?” I hear these questions a lot, and it’s important to know the answers!
Early Onset = Before age 65 (or around the age of 65)
Early Stage = In the earlier stages of the disease process
See the difference? Early-onset dementia is actually pretty rare. Sometimes we hear it called “younger onset,” which is a less-confusing term.
You can have early onset and be in an early stage at the same time, but you can’t call a person who has an advanced stage of dementia at age 64 “early stage.” Does that make sense?
Thanks for reading along. Do you get my emails in your inbox?
