Studying younger onset dementia
As younger people are increasingly diagnosed with dementia, Sydney researchers are now undertaking the first known Australian study to investigate this growth. Younger onset dementia is defined as dementia with symptom onset before the age of 65 years.
As younger people are increasingly diagnosed with dementia, Sydney researchers are now undertaking the first known Australian study to investigate this growth.
Younger onset dementia is defined as dementia with symptom onset before the age of 65 years.
“We’re keen to get comprehensive Australian information. It seems odd that we have to continuously resort to overseas research to base our estimates of Australian cases,” lead researcher, Conjoint Professor Brian Draper from University of NSW’s School of Psychiatry, says.
Preliminary research has identified 141 people in the eastern suburbs of Sydney with younger onset dementia. Those patients had a range of illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal dementia, brain infections, head injuries and problems with alcohol, as well as Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
These early findings suggest as many as one in 750 Australians may be affected. Previously published international data estimated the number at one in 1,000 people.
“Younger onset dementia has become an increasing public concern because more people are being diagnosed and their needs are not being adequately met by existing services that are more geared towards older people,” Professor Draper says.
“It is likely the increase in cases is at least partially a result of the high number of Australians in the baby boomer generation now aged 45 to 65 years,” he adds.
UNSW medicine researchers would like to meet with patients living with a younger onset memory or related disorder, and/or with their family members or supporters and carers to learn more about their experiences and service needs. They will also be holding focus groups with health care and service providers.
All participants will receive a $25 gift card. The study is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
For more information or to participate in the study, contact the study coordinator, Nicole Denham, on (02) 9385 2617. Stay tuned next week for DPS News’ story on a woman’s experience living with younger onset dementia.
