DementiaRoadmap

This factsheet published by the Alzheimer’s Society explores at the types of dementia that younger people under 65 years of age may have, some of the difficulties that they might experience and where support can be found.

Download the Alzheimer’s Society factsheet Younger people with dementia

In general, younger people with dementia are more likely to be in work at the time of diagnosis and have families that depend on them. They are likley to be more physically fit and active yet have heavy financial commitments, such as a mortgage.

Getting a diagnosis of dementia may take a long time for younger people, often due to lack of awareness that dementia can happen in younger people. Someone with suspected young-onset dementia may be referred to a neurologist, a psychiatrist or an old age psychiatrist. The route to diagnosis can be complicated, and younger people with dementia can receive very different levels of support from different doctors and professionals.

A few areas in the UK have consultants with specific responsibility for younger people with dementia. A specialist diagnostic service should help younger people get access to care more quickly and easily.