Young onset dementia has been thrown into the limelight following a recent EastEnders storyline twist that saw character Nigel Bates, who first appeared on the soap in 1992, revealing his diagnosis. Digital Spy noted that EastEnders bosses are determined to show this tragic condition accurately and sensitively through Nigel and have partnered with the likes of Dementia UK to ensure they get the facts right.
Not to be confused with childhood dementia, which can arise in young children and teenagers, young onset dementia refers to a type of dementia that develops before the age of 65. Some people can start developing symptoms as young as 30.
Because symptoms tend to start around midlife, the charity noted it can cause widespread upheaval and distress to the patient and their family not just due to the emotional toll of the diagnosis. The patient often has considerable long-term commitments like a mortgage, career or caring for their elderly parents that they will need to account for.
70,800 people in the UK are estimated to be living with young onset dementia, but Dementia UK highlighted many younger people are completely unaware of the early signs and symptoms because the condition is often “wrongly” linked with old age. Additionally, some of the earliest symptoms may not be memory-related and can also differ greatly from person to person.
Some of the early warning signs that a lot of people experience with young onset dementia include behaviour and personality changes. This can look like a person suddenly becoming more irritable, anxious, irrational or simply acting out of character.
Language and communication struggles are a common denominator among patients as they could have difficulties finding the right words, develop slurred speech, or their handwriting might start to change. This last symptom connects to movement and coordination warning signs, which can include being more clumsy, losing mobility or having balance issues.
A person with young onset dementia may start to struggle socially and with the general admin of day-to-day life, such as meeting deadlines at work or losing the motivation to go socialise. Finally, some lesser-known vision problems can be key indicators of young onset dementia.
People with the condition may find themselves missing objects in clear view when they reach for them, have difficulty judging distances or even experience hallucinations. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing the symptoms of young onset dementia, the charity urges booking a GP appointment as soon as possible.
While you wait for the appointment, the experts recommend keeping a diary of all the symptoms that are developing or changes you have noticed about a friend or family member. The charity warned: “There may be challenges along the way to receiving a diagnosis.
“A person may be reluctant to go to the doctor due to fear or be in denial that there is an issue. It could be explained that their symptoms may be due to another condition that could be treated, as this may encourage the person to see their GP.”
While it can be just a convincing tool, this latter note could also be true as vitamin deficiency, depression and menopause can mimic some of the symptoms of young onset dementia. Regardless, getting a diagnosis as early as possible can help people manage their symptoms and prepare for their future, particularly if it turns out they do have young onset dementia.
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with the condition, or requires support in getting this diagnosis, there is a variety of assistance available. Dementia UK even hosts a community specifically for this type of dementia to highlight support, resources and local services.