Services for younger people with dementia

Approximately 18,500 younger people suffer from dementia in the UK. In many ways the needs of these individuals and their carers differ significantly from those of older people with the disorder. Accurate timely diagnosis, provision of information, effective treatment, rehabilitation, maintenance of valued occupation, support of the patient, their carers and family, and the provision of longer-term care all pose considerable challenges to health and social care services. Specialist multidisciplinary provision for this group is recommended as being essential to maximize their potential for health-related quality of life.