People whose symptoms started when they were under the age of 65 are often known as ‘younger people with dementia or as having young-onset dementia. This is not for a biological reason but is based on the fact that 65 was the usual age of retirement for many people.

People sometimes use the terms ‘early-onset dementia’ or ‘working-age dementia’. This information uses the term ‘young-onset dementia’. Dementia is caused by a wide range of different diseases. This is similar for younger and older people (‘late-onset dementia’), but there are important differences in how dementia affects younger people. These include the following:

• A wider range of diseases causes young-onset dementia.
• A younger person is much more likely to have a rarer form of dementia.
• Younger people with dementia are less likely to have memory loss as one of their first symptoms.
• Young-onset dementia is more likely to cause problems with movement, walking, co-ordination or balance.
• Young-onset dementia is more likely to be inherited (passed on through genes) – this affects up to 10% of younger people with dementia.
• Many younger people with dementia don’t have any other serious or long-term health conditions.

Someone who is diagnosed under the age of 65 needs to adjust to living with a long-term condition as a younger person. They might be concerned about the effects this will have on their family, relationships, finances, and daily life. They may also be worried that any children or siblings will have a higher risk of developing dementia.

Are you needing assistance with a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia? Call our care team at Full Circle Home Care (443) 295- 3017.