What Is Young Onset Dementia?
There are estimated to be at least 42,000 younger people with dementia in the UK.Young-onset dementia generally affects people between the ages of 30-65, although younger people can be affected too. It is caused by broadly similar diseases to dementia in older people (‘late-onset dementia’), but there are some important differences. There is a wider range of diseases that cause young-onset dementia and a younger person is much more likely to have a rarer form of dementia.
Young-onset dementia is likely to cause problems with movement, walking, co-ordination or balance.
In general, younger people with dementia are more likely to:
- be in work at the time of diagnosis
- have a partner who still works
- have dependent children
- have older parents to care for
- have heavy financial commitments, such as a mortgage
- be more physically fit and active
- have a rarer and genetic form of dementia.
Signs and Symptoms
Dementia is a degeneration of the brain that causes a progressive decline in people’s ability to think, reason, communicate and remember. The early signs and symptoms of dementia can vary from one person to another and may differ depending on the type of dementia a person has. Below is a list of typical signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Changes in mood and personality
- Communication and language difficulties
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Poor Judgement
- Sight and Hearing Loss
- Challenges with Perception and Hallucinations
How can we help?
In 2018 we launched the first Young Onset Dementia Service in Gwent. A service for younger people with dementia and cognitive impairment, (a diagnosis is not needed to join).
We support and empower people, enabling them to have a meaningful and varied programme of activities and opportunities. We run a series of weekly workshops including:
- Arts and Crafts,
- Cooking,
- Ceramics,
- Music and Movement
- Gentle Exercise
- Trips out
- Singing Classes
These activities aim to promote and maintain independence and skills. Members of the group also benefit from the social and emotional support from their peers.
Added Benefits Of Our Service
People with dementia and those close to them may have many questions, worries and concerns. By partnering with The Alzheimer’s Association, we offer specialist information and advice which can help to answer those questions and providing support.
We offer a series of counselling sessions giving people the chance to speak in confidence to a trained professional about problems or issues. There are different types of counselling available, including individual, self help group sessions or family counselling session. These sessions can really help family members come to term with a diagnosis of their loved one.
When Are Our Sessions?
We run weekly sessions every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at our Widdershins Centre, Sebastopol
What Do Our Members Think Of The Service?
‘I come to group every week and I love it, it’s helped my social skills and has given me my confidence back’
‘I always leave Widdershins with a smile on my face. My outlook on the future has completely changed – I’ve made friends for life!’
Support For Carers
At Age Connects Torfaen we realise how isolating life as a carer can be. Every Friday, we run a drop-in service designed with both carers and loved ones in mind. Come along and meet other carers for a cup of tea and a chat. Some services that we provide include:
- Information and Advice
- Reminiscence workshops
- Specialised training from outside speakers eg Red Cross, Health and Safety and Speech and Language Therapy.
For further information about our service please contact01495 769264 or email widdershins@ageconnectstorfaen.org
