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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 182-189 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Medical Journal of Australia |
Volume | 218 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 19 Feb 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2023 |
Keywords
- Biomarkers
- Dementia
- Diagnostic imaging
- Neuropsychiatry