New guide to support Australians impacted by younger onset dementia
A new guide is now available to support the estimated 29,000 Australians living with younger onset dementia, which is any type of dementia in people under the age of 65 years old.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said that dementia can happen to anybody and it is possible to develop symptoms in your 30s, 40s and 50s.
“It is important that people impacted by younger onset dementia can access age-appropriate resources and support tailored to their lives,” said Professor Buchanan.
“This guide will provide key information on the impact of younger onset dementia on individuals, families and carers, along with the supports and services available.
“We were proud to develop this guide in consultation with people living with younger onset dementia, their families and carers.”
Dementia Australia Ambassador Tully Smyth who cared for her mother Kay who lived with younger onset dementia, said the changes to her family’s lives after diagnosis were immense.
“It felt like an impossibly hard situation with no clear way out, at least not for a very long time,” said Ms Smyth.
A diagnosis of younger onset dementia can have a profound impact on individuals and their loved ones. Being informed and prepared can help families navigate the challenges and make empowered decisions about care and planning.
People living with younger onset dementia can often experience stigma and unique challenges due to their stage of life. People can be impacted emotionally, physically, socially and financially.
Insignia Financial and the Insignia Community Foundation are pleased to partner with Dementia Australia to support the development of the inaugural Younger Onset Dementia Guide in 2025.
Chair of the Insignia Community Foundation Angie Dickschen said that the Insignia Community Foundation and Insignia Financial are proud to play a role in supporting Dementia Australia through vital products like the Younger Onset Dementia Guide.
“We see this guide as an essential tool for Australians, along with their families and carers, who have been diagnosed with younger onset dementia. We want people to have the support they need to continue living their lives as well as possible and to be able to plan for the future,” said Ms Dickschen.
The guide is now freely available in print and online at dementia.org.au/younger-onset-dementia-guide
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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 433,300 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
Media contacts: Catherine McCarthy, Media and Communications Advisor catherine.mccarthy@dementia.org.au, 0466 796 201
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors:
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.