Younger Onset Dementia in Australia
‘Younger onset dementia’ (YOD) (also called ‘pre-senile dementia’) is the term used to describe any form of dementia with onset of symptoms in people under the age of 65. It is increasingly recognised as an important medical and social problem within the dementia statistics of Australia.
It is now estimated that the YOD affects over 10,000 people across Australia today. Alzheimer’s is only one of the forms of dementia that affects this age group, the others being somewhat more likely to start in the young: Vascular dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, Huntington’s disease, prion dementia, autosomal dominant dementia, and Pick’s disease.
All these dementias together now rank as the fourth highest cause of death for Australians, which is twice what it was a decade ago. (Heart disease, stroke and lung cancer remain the top three causes of death.)
Currently, YOD accounts for about 6% of total dementia cases, but it is increasingly prevalent in the community and has even been noted in people as young as 35. Any form of dementia affecting someone in their thirties, forties or fifties will naturally have a profound effect on their household’s employment and financial situation, as well as on their family life, as they are very likely to have children living at home. It is so unexpected in these young age groups that there is no social provision or help available.
One particular problem is that there are no dedicated residential facilities for the under-65 age group and this places a severe burden on families and carers with whom they must remain. Economically, the cost to the health system for dementia care is double that of heart disease.
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW feels that there are six priority areas that require urgent action:
1. Increased public awareness in order to reduce stigma and social isolation,
2. Timely and accurate diagnosis of all dementias,
3. Access to appropriate services for all people diagnosed with a dementia, of whatever age,
4. Employment and financial needs of those with dementia,
5. Legal and bureaucratic issues for those with dementia,
6. Increased investment in research of dementias affecting the young.
On the 25th of June Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, in conjunction with NSW Parliamentary Friends of Dementia, will hold a special forum at Parliament House to discuss issues surrounding the coming dementia epidemic. If you are interested in attending this forum email information@atznsw.asn.au for more information.