Dementia is traditionally perceived as a condition that affects older adults. There is, however, growing awareness of forms of dementia that develop much earlier in life.
This has implications for how symptoms are recognised and understood within the healthcare system.
Early-onset dementia can be difficult to detect because the signs often differ from the familiar picture of forgetfulness and confusion.
Instead, symptoms may be more physical and behavioural in nature.
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Dementia before old age
Early-onset dementia refers to cases in which the disease develops before the age of 65.
According to Dementia UK, certain types can be diagnosed as early as the age of 30.
One of these is frontotemporal dementia, which often affects personality, behaviour, and movement.
The body as a signal
According to Dementia UK, early-onset dementia may manifest through changes in the way a person moves.
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It is not a matter of a single sign, but rather a combination of changes in everyday life.
The organisation points, among other things, to slower walking, shorter steps, balance problems, a tendency to bump into things, involuntary movements, and difficulties in judging distances.
These symptoms are particularly seen in Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s-related forms of dementia.
Importance for early detection
According to Dementia UK, focusing on movement and spatial perception can be crucial when younger individuals are being assessed.
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Otherwise, the symptoms are easily mistaken for stress or other conditions.
A broader understanding of early signs can therefore contribute to faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Sources: LADbible, and Dementia UK.
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