- There is a lack of awareness from the public and GPs about how dementia affects younger people
- Symptoms such as memory problems may not always be the main complaint or recognisable early stage symptom.
- People with young-onset dementia are more likely to have behavioural symptoms, so misdiagnosis as a psychiatric condition is not uncommon.
The term ‘young-onset dementia’ applies to people who develop dementia conditions before the age of 65(1). They can have distinct needs due to their age and stage of life. Some of these may include caring for young children, a desire to carry on working, having the option for meaningful social activities, coping with financial commitments, and lost earnings.
According to NHS England, the needs of younger people living with dementia are not currently specifically addressed by the majority of mainstream dementia support services(2).
The London Assembly Health Committee is investigating how the Mayor can make London a friendly place for people living with young-onset dementia, and their carers.
Two Londoners living with young -onset dementia will share their experiences with the committee. The following guests will also answer questions:
- Professor Sebastian Crutch, Professorial Research Associate, Dementia Research Centre, University College London
- Linda O’Sullivan, Head of Region London & South East, Alzheimer’s Society
- Dr Jeremy Isaacs, Deputy Clinical Director Dementia Clinical Network NHS England (London Region)
- Laura Cook, Quality Improvement Manager, NHS England (London Region)
- Frances McAndrew, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, Transport for London
The meeting will take place on 28 February at 2:00pm in the Chamber at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1).
Media and members of the public are invited to attend. The meeting can also be viewed via webcast.
Follow us @LondonAssembly and take part in the discussion using #AssemblyHealth.
Notes to editors
1. The age 65 is used because it is the age at which people traditionally retired; however, this is an artificial cut-off point as opposed to having any biological significance.
2. https://www.england.nhs.uk/blog/tackling-the-challenges-of-young-onset-dementia/
4. Current investigation call for evidence: ‘Young-onset dementia’.
5. Dr Onkar Sahota AM, Chair of the Health Committee is available for interview. See contact details below
6. London Assembly Health Committee
7. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Samuel Casserly on 020 7983 4603. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.