Living with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s: Rebecca Luna’s Story
Being told you have Alzheimer’s is life-changing at any age. But for Rebecca Luna, the diagnosis came when she was just 48 years old.
Rebecca’s symptoms began quietly, in ways that could easily be mistaken for stress or tiredness. At work one day, she suddenly didn’t know what to do or where to start. Not long after, she left the stove on. Then she lost her keys.
These little slips began to add up. Rebecca knew something wasn’t right. She went to a neurologist, where she undertook a two-hour cognitive test. She didn’t pass. Combined with her MRI results, her doctor confirmed what she had feared: she had early-onset Alzheimer’s.
The diagnosis hit her family hard. One of her daughters struggled with denial, and even her mother found it difficult to accept. For Rebecca, it was a lonely moment — one where she realised that, despite the love of her family, she would need to find her own ways of coping.
So she did what many people now turn to: she looked online for support and resources. Eventually, she shared her own experience in a video on TikTok. That video went viral, reaching more than 2 million people.
The response gave her something she hadn’t expected — a community. Strangers offered her practical tips, encouragement, and solidarity. Some of the ideas she’s adopted include:
Minimising clutter at home to make her environment calmer and easier to navigate.
Creating a playlist of favourite songs, which helps her stay grounded and connected to herself.
Journaling daily tasks — writing down things like, “I showered today,” so she can remember what she’s done.
Adding a family member to her bank account, to ensure financial security as her symptoms progress.
But perhaps the most powerful message Rebecca has shared is also the simplest.
As she says:
“What I need most of all is a hug from my family.”
Her story is a reminder that while strategies and resources can help, emotional connection remains at the heart of living with dementia. For Rebecca, it’s not just about staying organised — it’s about staying loved.
