Think Alzheimer’s only affects the elderly? Think again. For some, the disease strikes much earlier—stealing memories and independence while they’re still raising children or building careers. It’s called early-onset Alzheimer’s, and it can hit in your 40s or 50s

From Thriving Mom to Shocking Diagnosis

Two years ago, Rebecca Luna was thriving. At 48, she balanced motherhood, a full-time job, and a busy life she loved. Then everything changed. Doctors diagnosed her with early-onset Alzheimer’s—a rare, aggressive form of the disease.

Now, the once-busy mom of two is sharing her journey online through emotional TikTok videos, a heartfelt GoFundMe page, and a personal letter to Yahoo News.

“This Disease Is Terminal”

On her GoFundMe, Rebecca explains the grim reality:

“I’m facing a rare form of Alzheimer’s. It’s terminal and progressive, with a shorter life expectancy of about eight years.”
She’s doing her best to stay active, work, and care for herself—but she knows her abilities will fade. Eventually, she’ll lose the capacity to work, live independently, and support herself.

Rebecca is now raising funds not only for her care but also to secure her children’s future. Her campaign serves as a heartbreaking reminder that Alzheimer’s robs people of more than just memories.

The First Signs She Couldn’t Ignore

Looking back, Rebecca admits the early symptoms were subtle. At first, she dismissed her forgetfulness as stress. But one moment at work changed everything.

“I sat at my computer and didn’t know what to do,” she told Yahoo News.
“Normally, you start your day with tasks in mind. I had nothing. Just… nothingness.”
That blank moment marked a turning point.

A Terrifying Close Call at Home

Soon, memory lapses crept into her daily life. One incident nearly turned tragic.

“I was boiling an egg and walked downtown—a half-hour walk. When I got there, I realized I left the stove on.”
Rebecca rushed home to find her house filled with smoke. She had narrowly avoided a fire. The scare confirmed what she feared: she was losing the ability to live safely on her own.

Fi*hting for Hope, One Day at a Time

Despite the grim prognosis, Rebecca chooses to stay positive. She documents her journey through raw, vulnerable TikTok videos and uses her GoFundMe to raise awareness about early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Her courage in facing what’s ahead has inspired many.

Her Message for Loved Ones

Rebecca has a powerful message for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s:

“Meet them where they’re at. Don’t question them—remind them. Believe them. Hug them. Tell them you love them.
Because if I’m being honest, what I need most is a hug from my family.”
Support Rebecca’s Journey

You can follow Rebecca’s story on TikTok or contribute to her care through her GoFundMe page. Her fight shines a light on a disease too often misunderstood—especially when it affects someone so young.