Glossary

What is Early-onset dementia?

Early-onset, or younger-onset, dementia is dementia diagnosed before the age of 65.

The person may still be working, raising children or paying a mortgage, and services designed for older adults often fit badly. Diagnosis is slower because dementia is not the first explanation anyone reaches for in a 55-year-old.

Alzheimer's disease is still the commonest cause; frontotemporal dementia is proportionally more common than in older groups.

Why it matters

Income, insurance and disability benefits are the urgent questions, ahead of care.

Early-onset dementia where you live

The local guide on this, for each city we cover.

Related terms

All terms