In most cases, dementia affects people over the age of 65. Young-onset dementia is when the condition affects people under the age of 65 and is sometimes referred to as early-onset dementia.
Whilst symptoms will generally resemble those of other types of dementia, however cause factors and support arrangements may differ, particularly in the early stages of the disease.
As with other types of dementia, young-onset is chronic, meaning there is no cure. Life expectancy is difficult to determine but can range from 2 to 8 years on average.
Over 70,000 people in the UK have young-onset dementia.
Symptoms
Symptoms will generally resemble those described for other types of dementia in people over 65. Young-onset dementia is usually caused by the same variations of dementia: Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, frontotemporal, vascular and mixed dementia. Please refer to the other types of dementia pages from the menu for a full list of symptoms associated with different types of dementia.
Poor attention spam or ability to concentrate
Issues with reasoning or problem solving
Poor depth perception or visual judgement
Visual hallucinations – this happens in a large number of cases and generally occurs early on in Lewy Body Dementia
Depression, anxiety and low mood
Sleeping troubles
Restless leg syndrome (an overwhelming urge to move your legs)
Changes in certain automatic functions (such as heat/cold sensitivity and poor sense of smell)
Diagnoses
Diagnosing young-onset dementia can be difficult particularly as it is a fairly rare form of the condition. In around 10% of people the condition is hereditary so screen questions may be carried out by a GP or medical professional. This will also be the case when looking to rule out other conditions which may present similar symptoms. A scan or lumbar puncture may be needed to analyse fluid of the spine.
For further information on young-onset dementia please click below to download the Alzheimer’s Society support booklet.
