Young-onset dementia diagnosis, management and care: a narrative review

Samantha M. Loi, Monica Cations, Dennis Velakoulis

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)
75 Downloads (Pure)

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).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)182-189
Number of pages8
JournalMedical Journal of Australia
Volume218
Issue number4
Early online date19 Feb 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2023

Keywords

  • Biomarkers
  • Dementia
  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Neuropsychiatry

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