Early onset dementia is diagnosed through a combination of medical assessments, cognitive tests, brain scans and discussions about a person’s symptoms and medical history. Because symptoms can sometimes resemble stress, depression or other health conditions, reaching a diagnosis may take time.
Early onset dementia, sometimes called young onset dementia, refers to dementia that develops before the age of 65. While it is less common than later life dementia, it can affect people who are still working, raising families or living independently.
Understanding how early onset dementia is diagnosed can help individuals and families recognise the signs, seek support and access appropriate care as early as possible.
What is early onset dementia?
Early onset dementia describes any type of dementia that develops before the age of 65. It is not a separate condition. Instead, it refers to the age at which symptoms begin.
Several types of dementia can occur in younger adults, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of dementia and the areas of the brain affected.
What are the early signs of early onset dementia?
The symptoms of early onset dementia are not always related to memory.
Some people may initially experience changes in behaviour, communication or problem solving rather than forgetfulness.
Common symptoms can include:
- Memory problems that affect daily life
- Difficulty concentrating
- Problems planning or organising tasks
- Struggling to find the right words
- Changes in mood or personality
- Difficulty making decisions
- Becoming confused in familiar situations
- Problems with visual perception or spatial awareness
Because these symptoms can develop gradually, they are sometimes mistaken for stress, anxiety, depression or the pressures of everyday life.
When should someone see a doctor?
It is important to speak to a GP if symptoms are becoming persistent, worsening over time or affecting daily activities.
Many conditions can cause symptoms that resemble dementia, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Thyroid problems
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Sleep disorders
- Certain infections
- Medication side effects
Seeking medical advice is the first step towards understanding what may be causing the symptoms.
What happens during a dementia assessment?
The diagnosis process usually begins with an appointment with a GP.
The GP may ask questions about:
- Symptoms and when they started
- Changes in memory or thinking
- Daily activities
- Mood and behaviour
- Medical history
- Family history of dementia
A family member or close friend may also be asked to share observations about changes they have noticed. This information helps build a clearer picture of how symptoms are affecting everyday life.
Are memory tests used to diagnose early onset dementia?
Cognitive assessments are often part of the diagnostic process.
These tests help healthcare professionals assess areas such as:
- Memory
- Attention
- Language
- Problem solving
- Reasoning skills
The results can help identify patterns that may indicate dementia or another neurological condition. These assessments are only one part of the diagnosis process and are usually considered alongside other tests and investigations.
What medical tests are used?
There is no single test that can diagnose early onset dementia.
Healthcare professionals often use a combination of investigations to rule out other possible causes and identify signs of dementia.
These may include:
Blood tests
Blood tests can help identify health conditions that may be contributing to symptoms, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems.
Brain scans
Brain imaging can help doctors look for changes within the brain.
Scans may include:
- MRI scans
- CT scans
- PET scans in some cases
These tests can help identify patterns associated with different types of dementia.
Neurological assessments
Some people may be referred to specialists for additional assessments of memory, behaviour, movement or cognitive function.
Why can early onset dementia be difficult to diagnose?
Early onset dementia is often more difficult to diagnose than dementia in older adults.
This is partly because symptoms may be unexpected in younger people and can overlap with other conditions.
For example, a person may initially be treated for stress, depression or workplace burnout before dementia is considered as a possible cause.
In some forms of young onset dementia, behavioural or personality changes may appear before memory problems, making diagnosis more complex.
As a result, several appointments and investigations may be needed before a diagnosis is confirmed.
What happens after a diagnosis?
Receiving a diagnosis of early onset dementia can be overwhelming for both the individual and their family. However, many people continue to live independently and remain active for years after diagnosis.
An early diagnosis can still provide important benefits. It allows people to:
- Access treatment and support services
- Plan for the future
- Learn more about their condition
- Make decisions about work and finances
- Build a support network
- Explore care options if needed
What support is available after diagnosis?
Support needs will vary from person to person.
Many individuals benefit from:
- Dementia support groups
- Specialist dementia nurses
- Occupational therapy
- Community support services
- Professional home care
- Advice for family carers
Having the right support in place can help people maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
How Patricia White’s can help
At Patricia White’s, we understand that a dementia diagnosis can raise many questions and concerns for families.
Our experienced carers provide personalised support that adapts to changing needs over time. Whether someone requires companionship, practical assistance or more comprehensive dementia care, our focus is always on helping clients maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life.
Talk to our dedicated team of experts today
The standards set by Patricia White 30 years ago still remain today. Call our experienced team today on 01293 224712 to discuss your home care needs and receive a free, no obligation quotation.
Or feel free to send us a message using our online enquiry form and a member of our expert care team will get back to you as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours.
