As you read in my previous post “What is Alzheimer’s disease,” there is a sub-type of AD known as young-onset dementia. This name refers to dementia that begins before age 65.

The Alzheimer’s Association states on their webpage:

Doctors do not understand why most cases of early onset Alzheimer’s appear at such a young age. But in a few hundred families worldwide, scientists have pinpointed several rare genes that directly cause Alzheimer’s. People who inherit these rare genes tend to develop symptoms in their 30s, 40s and 50s. When Alzheimer’s disease is caused by deterministic genes, it is called “familial Alzheimer’s disease,” and many family members in multiple generations are affected.

The following information comes to us from Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia support and research charity for people living with dementia, their families, and care partners. And also one of my favorite sites to find news and information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

People diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65 are often described as ‘younger people with dementia’ by health and social care professionals. Other terms used include ‘early onset dementia’, ‘young-onset dementia’, and ‘working age dementia’. The symptoms of dementia may be similar regardless of a person’s age, but younger people may have different needs, and require some different support. This factsheet looks at the types of dementia that younger people may have, some of the difficulties that they might experience and where support can be found.

There are more than 40,000 younger people with dementia in the UK.

Being told that you or a loved one has dementia can be very difficult and you may experience a range of different emotions as time goes on. There is support available if you need it. Alzheimer’s Society’s National Dementia Helpline can provide information, support, guidance and signposting to other organisations. Details are at the end of this factsheet.

Types of dementia in younger people

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in younger people. Around one-third of younger people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease. This is a much smaller proportion than in older people with dementia, where around two-thirds of people have Alzheimer’s disease. Some people affected will have a history of young-onset Alzheimer’s disease in their family. (See factsheet 401, What is Alzheimer’s disease? for more information.)

People with Down’s syndrome and other learning disabilities can also develop dementia at an early age. When people with Down’s syndrome develop dementia, this is usually due to Alzheimer’s disease. (See factsheet 430, Learning disabilities and dementia.)

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia occurs when there are problems in the blood supply to the brain. It is the second most common form of dementia in younger people. Around 20 per cent of younger people with dementia have vascular dementia. (See factsheet 402, What is vascular dementia?)

Frontotemporal dementia

Around 12 per cent of younger people with dementia have frontotemporal dementia – a higher prevalence than in older people (see factsheet 404, What is frontotemporal dementia?) Frontotemporal dementia most commonly occurs between the ages of 45 and 65. In about 40 per cent of cases the person has a family history of the disease.

Alcohol-related brain impairment

Alcohol-related dementia is often called Korsakoff’s syndrome. It can occur in people who have regularly consumed a large amount of alcohol. Korsakoff’s syndrome is caused by a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the body, which affects the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Around 10 per cent of dementias in younger people are alcohol-related. (See factsheet 438, What is Korsakoff’s syndrome?)

Dementia with Lewy bodies

Dementia with Lewy bodies is caused by the build-up of tiny protein deposits in the brain. Symptoms tend to fluctuate, and people can develop the features of Parkinson’s disease (such as slower movement, stiffness or a tremor) and hallucinations. Around 10 per cent of younger people with dementia have dementia with Lewy bodies. (See factsheet 403, What is dementia with Lewy bodies?)

Rarer forms of dementia

Around 20 per cent of younger people with dementia have a ‘rarer’ form of the disease – a higher prevalence than in older people (see factsheet 442, Rarer causes of dementia). Examples include conditions that can lead to dementia, such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).

Diagnosis

Getting an accurate diagnosis of dementia can take a very long time for younger people, often due to lack of awareness that dementia can happen in younger people. Medical professionals often misdiagnose younger people as being depressed, experiencing relationship difficulties, suffering from the effects of stress or, for women, it may be put down to the onset of the menopause.

The contribution of family members and carers is often very important in helping to reach a correct diagnosis. Many people say the first sign that something was wrong was that the person ‘didn’t seem quite themself’ or they started to make mistakes at work that didn’t fit with their usual performance. It may be helpful to keep a symptom diary when you first suspect that something might be wrong.

Specialist diagnostic services for younger people with dementia tend to be run by neurologists with a special interest in cognitive problems and dementia – however, these are few and far between, due to lack of resources. Consultants appointed to be responsible for younger people with dementia also tend to be neurologists.

If a GP decides that specialist assessment is required, it may not be clear which type of consultant the person should be referred to. Specialists in old age psychiatry are usually responsible for older people with dementia. 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.

Specialist services

There is little awareness or understanding of the needs of people who develop dementia at an early age, and this can make it very difficult for younger people to access adequate support.

There are sometimes significant age-related barriers for younger people trying to get access to dementia services. If no specialist services exist, younger people with dementia can find themselves lost between services, none of which will accept responsibility for their care.

Even if dementia services accept younger users, the type of care they provide may not be appropriate. The needs of younger people with dementia and their friends and family are not just related to age. Younger people may have different concerns and interests to older people. A service set up for people of a different generation, where activities are planned for older people who are less physically active, is unlikely to meet the needs of younger people. Younger people with dementia require specialist services, able to meet their complex needs. Specialist services should strive to help people maintain their day-to-day skills, friendships, hobbies and interests, and support people to continue to live an active life as a member of the local community.

The number of specialist services is growing, as more people come to understand the needs of younger people with dementia, but progress is slow. Provision of services for younger people is variable around the country, and some regions still have few, if any, services.

For information on what is available locally, contact your local social services department or GP surgery. You could also call Alzheimer’s Society’s National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22.

Particular issues faced by younger people

In general, younger people with dementia are more likely to:

• be in work at the time of diagnosis
• have a partner who still works
• have dependent children
• have ageing parents who they need to care for
• be more physically fit and active
• have heavy financial commitments, such as a mortgage
• have a rarer form of dementia.

Some people with dementia may want to continue working for some time after their diagnosis, or may wish to take early retirement if this is appropriate. Carers may also want to continue working, or may be concerned about giving up work to care full time.

Alzheimer’s Society can advise on some aspects of work and finances, but people with dementia and carers might need specialist advice. This may be available from a disability employment adviser at the local Jobcentre Plus, or from the local Citizens Advice Bureau (see ‘Useful organisations’). People should also make sure that they are receiving the benefits to which they are entitled. For more information, see factsheet 413, Benefits.

If the person has children it is important that they understand – in an age-appropriate way – what dementia is, how it affects their parent and what changes to expect. Every child is different and will react in their own way. See factsheet 515, Explaining dementia to children and young people for advice on how to talk to children about dementia.

Some people with dementia are able to drive safely for some time after their diagnosis, but there will be a point at which they will have to stop driving. For many people with dementia, the decision to stop driving can be difficult. See factsheet 439, Driving and dementia.

Support from Alzheimer’s Society

Because dementia in younger people is comparatively rare, it can be difficult to find other people who understand the situation. Alzheimer’s Society can put younger people with dementia, their families or carers in contact with others in their local area, or in similar circumstances.

Many of the Society’s local services provide specialist support for younger people with dementia. If they do not, they can usually advise younger people on other services in the area, and direct them to any specialist services that are available.

Alzheimer’s Society hosts an online discussion group called Talking Point, which has a dedicated group for younger people. To join the discussion, go to alzheimers.org.uk/talkingpoint

Alzheimer’s Society supports anyone affected by dementia, regardless of their age or diagnosis. There are also voluntary organisations that support people with different forms of dementia and illnesses that have dementia symptoms – see ‘Useful organisations’ for details.

For details of Alzheimer’s Society services in your area, visit alzheimers.org.uk/localinfo

For information about a wide range of dementia-related topics, visit alzheimers.org.uk/factsheets

Further reading

The following booklets are available for people with dementia. (One copy of each booklet is free, additional copies are 50p each.)

1501 – Managing your money
1502 – Keeping safe in your home
1503 – Who are all these health professionals?
1504 – Driving and dementia
1505 – What your diagnosis means for you
1506 – Keeping involved and active
1507 – Talking to children about your illness
1508 – Living alone
1509 – Employment

These publications can be ordered by phoning 01628 52924001628 529240 or emailing [email protected]

Useful organisations

British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD)

Body that works to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Provides a range of information in print and online.

Birmingham Research Park
Vincent Drive
Edgbaston
Birmingham B15 2SQ
T 0121 415 69600121 415 6960
E [email protected]
W http://www.bild.org.uk/

 

Citizens Advice

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can provide information and advice in confidence or point you in the right direction. To find your nearest CAB look in the phone book, ask at your local library or look on the Citizens Advice website (above). Opening times vary.

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/

 

CJD Support Network

Supports people with prion diseases, including forms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Provides a range of information on the various forms of prion disease, and works with professionals to improve the level of care provided for people with these conditions.

PO Box 346
Market Drayton TF9 4WN
T 01630 67397301630 673973 (helpline)
E [email protected]
W www.cjdsupport.net

 

Disability Benefits Helpline

For Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance

T 08457 123 45608457 123 456 (free helpline open 8am to 6pm weekdays)
08457 224 43308457 224 433 (textphone)
E [email protected] (for DLA age 16 or over)
[email protected] (for AA)

For Personal Independence Payment

Helpline for advice or information about claims for Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.

T 0845 850 33220845 850 3322 (free helpline open 8am to 6pm weekdays)
0845 601 66770845 601 6677 (textphone)

 

Frontotemporal Dementia Support Group

Provides information, advice and support for people with frontotemporal dementia and their carers.

T 07592 540 55507592 540 555
E [email protected]
W www.ucl.ac.uk/drc/support-groups/FTD-support-Group

 

Young Dementia UK

National information and support charity focusing specifically on young onset dementia; created with and for younger people, families, friends and supporters.

PO Box 315
Witney
Oxfordshire
OX28 1ZN

T 01993 77629501993 776295
E [email protected]
W http://www.youngdementiauk.org/

 

Factsheet 440

Last reviewed: April 2012
Last updated: September 2014
Next review due: April 2015

Reviewed by: Professor Linda Clare, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Bangor University, Bangor and Professor John Keady, Professor of Nursing, University of Manchester, Manchester

This factsheet has also been reviewed by people affected by dementia.

A list of sources is available on request.

For more information on young-onset dementia, please see:

Younger Onset Dementia Association Inc (YODA Inc), based in Australia.

Alzheimer’s Association page on Young/Early Onset Alzheimer’s and dementia

Young Dementia UK – a charity that helps those touched by Young-onset dementia