Alzheimer’s Society has raised concerns that not enough people are being diagnosed with young-onset dementia in England and has encouraged people and the government to prioritise the condition.
NHS England collected data from people with dementia from GP practices across England to inform NHS GPs and commissioners on how to plan dementia services around patients’ needs.
The new report, Primary Care Dementia Data, revealed that 34,412 people in England have been diagnosed with young-onset dementia.
However, the Alzheimer’s Society has confirmed that the number of people affected could be as high as 53,206, based on estimates shared with other dementia charities.
The UK charity also estimated that an additional 19,194 people in England are living without diagnosis or support.
According to NHS England’s data, between 31 August and 30 September 2023, the number of patients recorded with a diagnosis of dementia increased from 473,086 to 475,573.
Dementia is an incurable and debilitating neurodegenerative condition that affects around 900,000 people in the UK.
Young-onset dementia occurs in people living with dementia under the age of 65.
James White, head of national influencing at Alzheimer’s Society, highlighted the importance of quashing the “common misconception” that dementia is a condition for older people.
For young-onset dementia, the first signs of its development can be difficult to recognise and can commonly be misconstrued as stress, difficulties with relationships or work, or menopause.
White explained that younger people with undiagnosed dementia are “not able to access vital support and treatments”.
Despite being a common first symptom, for younger people with dementia, memory loss is less likely to appear as a first symptom.
Instead, younger people may notice movement and balancing issues, as well as other early-stage symptoms including changes in behaviour, language, vision or personality.
Alzheimer’s Society urges more people to know the symptoms of dementia and to seek help and advice from their GP.
“We’re also urging the government to make dementia a priority – having access to an early, accurate dementia diagnosis is absolutely vital,” added White.