Young Onset
Dementia
Almost 71,000 people are currently living in the UK with a diagnosis of young onset dementia.
What is Young Onset Dementia?
When a person develops dementia before the ages of 65, this is known as Young Onset Dementia. It can also be known as Early Onset Dementia. Most people with Young Onset Dementia do not know anyone else in this situation, so may feel very isolated.
Prevalence of young onset dementia
Awareness of the condition is still fairly low and when people are still at work symptoms are often put down to stress or depression.
Prevalence rates in black and minority groups are higher than for the population as a whole. People with learning disabilities are also at a greater risk of developing dementia at a young age. Also the peri-menopause and menopause can have similar symptoms, which can make women believe they are developing dementia.
Finding further information and support is vital. A younger person with dementia may still be working, have a mortgage and or young children. More help and information can be found at
If you have daily living needs due to a cognitive condition such as dementia, you may be eligible to Personal Independent Payments (PIP) or Attendance Allowance, which can be claimed through the Department of work and pensions (DWP). More information is available at Legal & financial benefits
Here in West Sussex there is an active peer support group for people with Young Onset Dementia to find out more please email Tim.wilkins@alzheimers.org.uk
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Community News – Find out all that is happening in your local area from groups, clubs, and events to campaigns, such as Dementia Action Week. Find out what’s happening near you.
Community Blog – short informative stories written by our readers. Both professionals and people living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia.
