People who develop early onset dementia are typically in their 40's or 50's. While dementia among young adults is very rare, developing dementia before the age of 40 is possible.

What Is Younger-Onset Dementia (YOD)?

Younger-onset dementia (YOD) refers to dementia that begins before age 65. Because YOD is so rare, getting an accurate diagnosis may be difficult and take a long time. Doctors often misdiagnose younger patients as being depressed, under too much stress or suffering some other psychiatric illness, according to the Alzheimer's Society.

Most of these younger patients don't have Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. Instead, they tend to have some form of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), according to Northwestern University. When it is caused by the Alzheimer's disease pathology, it's usually hereditary, meaning several family members across generations have had Alzheimer's disease.

Causes And Treatment Of YOD

Vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia are other common causes of younger-onset dementia. Many forms are treatable, so getting an accurate and early diagnosis is critical to managing the disease.

Often, the symptoms become noticeable during their job when they can't complete or remember certain tasks. They may forget appointments and find work more difficult, says John Hopkins Medicine.

Younger-onset dementia presents a unique set of problems to patients and their families. Younger adults may still be working, caring for children in their home or have a partner who is working, along with significant financial responsibilities.

“One of the major problems with young-onset dementia is that it cuts down a person in their prime wage-earning years," says John Hopkins Medicine.

Patients and caregivers may have to consult with a financial advisor or attorney to investigate early retirement, as well as financial planning options if the younger-onset individual is still working.

Complications And Challenges

Since most services are available to people over age 65, it may be more difficult to get services and manage dementia symptoms. Younger-onset dementia is rare, so there isn't as much known or written about it—making management more of a challenge.

Additionally, caring for a younger patient with dementia differs from caring for an elderly patient. Physically fit younger patients may be challenging to care providers; they can wander away and get lost or become difficult to deal with during bouts of aggression.

Caregivers should also find ways to maintain the child-parent relationship among dementia patients with children in the home. Finding resources for children may help them cope. Counselors or support groups can help them express their feelings, address their fears and explain any genetic risks.

Above all, however, younger-onset dementia may be most trying for the patient. Accepting and coping with losing skills at a young age can be extremely difficult, especially since they may be more aware of the disease in its early stages. Being aggressive about getting services and support can help transition patients and families, and improve patient outcomes.

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