A woman attributed her memory lapses to postpartum “mum brain” before being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at 46 years old. Staci Marklin, now 47, discovered her condition a year ago when her son Gunnar was two. Initially, she thought her memory issues were due to pregnancy and postpartum experiences.
Over time, her struggles with finding words intensified, leading to a brain scan and subsequent diagnosis. Staci, a former hospice nurse, reflected on how her symptoms emerged during pregnancy and after giving birth. She expressed disbelief at facing Alzheimer’s at a relatively young age.
Despite initial doubts from a doctor due to her age, Staci’s symptoms worsened, affecting her daily life and work. Tests initially showed no abnormalities, but further examinations revealed markers indicating Alzheimer’s. In October 2024, an amyloid PET scan confirmed her diagnosis.
Staci’s cognitive function testing showed significant impairment for her age group. Faced with disbelief from others and the stigma associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s, she has begun planning for the future. She has embraced treatments like lecanemab, hoping to slow cognitive decline.
Although the treatment is not available through the NHS in the UK, Staci remains optimistic about its potential benefits. Despite the challenges ahead, she focuses on creating lasting memories for her family, especially her son, as she navigates life post-diagnosis.