Living with young onset dementia
In this section, we share information to help you to find out more about life with the condition and how to adapt after a diagnosis
Dementia is a life-changing condition to have at any age, but when you are younger and expect to have a long and full life ahead of you, it is all the more difficult to take in. The period before and after diagnosis may be a very emotional time, as you adjust to living life with dementia.
It is important to know that you are not alone. As well as your family and friends, there are organisations that can offer you support and people you can connect with online.
Young onset dementia affects everyone differently and affects the whole family. Your experience of the condition will be unique to you but there will be many feelings, issues and challenges you will have that will be similar for other people. You will need time to adjust.
In addition to the information provided here, anyone with a question or concern about young onset dementia can call our Dementia Helpline for free on 0800 888 6678, send an email to helpline@dementiauk.org or fill in the form on this page or if you prefer, you can book a phone or video appointment at a time to suit you at dementiauk.org/closer-to-home.
Dementia UK hosts the Young Dementia Network. It is a free-to-join community of people living with young onset dementia, their family and friends, as well as professionals who work in the field of health and social care and voluntary sector. Find out more here.
Next steps after a young onset dementia diagnosis
We share what to do next after a diagnosis of young onset dementia and the key things to address to help make life more manageable
Find out moreFinance and young onset dementia
A diagnosis of dementia at a young age is likely to affect your income and financial commitments. It is advisable to prepare for the future as soon as possible
Find out moreEmployment and young onset dementia
People with young onset dementia and their partners are more likely to be in employment at the time of diagnosis. Dementia is classified as a disability – find out what your rights are
Find out moreDriving and dementia
A diagnosis of dementia does not automatically mean you have to give up driving. Find out the legal requirements and advice around driving and dementia here
Find out moreLearning disabilities and dementia
People with a learning disability are at greater risk of developing dementia, especially young onset dementia (when dementia symptoms develop before the age of 65)
Find out moreDementia and perimenopause and menopause
For some women, dementia symptoms may develop at the same time as they are experiencing perimenopause or menopause which can bring additional challenges
Find out more