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Understanding young-onset dementia
Young-onset dementia, where symptoms start before the age of 65, brings its own challenges for the people diagnosed and their families.
Written by The Dementia Service.
Recognising the symptoms and challenges
Young-onset dementia can show itself in many ways, including problems with memory, language and behaviour. Younger people are often diagnosed later than older adults, because of the mistaken belief that dementia only affects older people. This can add stress, cause problems at work and mean big adjustments for families.
Around 5% of people with dementia have young-onset dementia, about 70,000 people in the UK. With delays in diagnosis and a lack of support suited to younger people, early help is vital to quality of life.
Raising awareness and reducing stigma
Advocacy groups and people with lived experience are changing how dementia is seen. Support organisations are working with healthcare professionals and policymakers to improve diagnosis rates and access to care.
Awareness campaigns, including films and personal stories, show the real impact of young-onset dementia and help employers, communities and medical professionals understand it. Health experts stress the importance of listening to those directly affected.
The importance of an early diagnosis
An early diagnosis lets people and their families plan ahead, reach support services and keep a sense of purpose in daily life. Early help can make symptoms easier to manage and keep people doing the things that matter to them.
How The Dementia Service can help
We support greater awareness and better resources for people affected by young-onset dementia. To find out how an assessment works, visit our dementia assessment page.
Source: BBC News.