Young‐onset dementia diagnosis, management and care: a narrative review
2023/02/19 by Samantha M Loi, Samantha M. Loi, Monica Cations +1 · 82 citations
Health Professions · Medicine · Psychology · #Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues #Art #Dementia #Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research #Diet and metabolism studies #Disease #Gerontology #Intensive care medicine #Literature #Medicine #Narrative #Narrative review #Pathology #Psychiatry #Psychology
paper · pdf · doi:10.5694/mja2.51849
published in The Medical Journal of Australia 218(4), 182-189 (Wiley)
openalex publication_date 2023/02/19 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/06
Abstract
Young-onset dementia comprises a heterogeneous range of dementias, with onset at less than 65 years of age. These include primary dementias such as Alzheimer disease, frontotemporal and vascular dementias; genetic/familial dementias; metabolic disorders; and secondary dementias such as those that result from alcohol use disorder, traumatic brain injury, and infections. The presentation of young-onset dementia is varied and may include cognitive, psychiatric and neurological symptoms. Diagnostic delay is common, with a frequent diagnostic conundrum being, "Is this young-onset dementia or is this psychiatric?". For assessment and accurate diagnosis, a thorough screen is recommended, such as collateral history and investigations such as neuroimaging, lumbar puncture, neuropsychology, and genetic testing. The management of young-onset dementia needs to be age-appropriate and multidisciplinary, with timely access to services and consideration of the family (including children).
Citations
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