A woman who initially attributed her forgetfulness to postpartum “mum brain” was later diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at 46 years old. Staci Marklin, now 47, from Knoxville, Tennessee, first noticed memory issues after the birth of her son, Gunnar. Despite attributing it to pregnancy and postpartum challenges, her symptoms worsened over time, leading to a brain scan that confirmed the diagnosis.
Staci, a former hospice nurse, struggled with memory loss for almost two years postpartum. Concerned due to her grandmother’s Alzheimer’s history, she sought medical advice but was initially told her risk of early-onset dementia was low. However, her symptoms persisted, affecting her daily life and work, causing her to undergo various tests.
After normal initial test results, further assessments revealed elevated blood markers indicative of Alzheimer’s disease. A follow-up amyloid PET scan in October 2024 confirmed the diagnosis. Staci, shocked by the results, has experienced a decline in cognitive function, impacting her daily interactions and work.
Despite disbelief from some due to the misconception that Alzheimer’s only affects older individuals, Staci is proactive in planning for the future. She has started a new treatment called lecanemab, hoping to slow the cognitive decline associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s. While the treatment is not available through the NHS in the UK, Staci remains optimistic about its potential benefits and the impact on her quality of life.
Navigating life post-diagnosis, Staci remains positive, cherishing moments with her family and creating memories for her son’s future. She documents her journey on social media, aiming to leave a lasting legacy for her loved ones.