25/02/2026
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When a person develops dementia before the age of 65, this is known as ‘young-onset dementia’.
Over 70,800 people in the UK are living with young-onset dementia.
Younger people with dementia experience a range of challenges, which are often different to those that older people face.
They are less likely to experience memory loss as one of their early symptoms and may experience problems with behaviour, vision or language first.
They are also likely to have varied aspects to their lives that will be affected in different ways by dementia.
This includes:
- Their relationships, including with their children (if they have them).
- Their finances.
- Employment (if they’re working) and daily activities.
- Driving (if they drive).
- Their hobbies and interests.
All of these can make it hard for a younger person to adjust to a diagnosis.
Dementia can also be harder for younger people because it usually comes at a time in their life when it is least expected.
Have you or someone close to you experienced young-onset dementia?
