What is the Young Dementia Network?

The Young Dementia Network is an online membership community for everyone living with, working with or interested young onset dementia. Driven by the needs and wishes of people affected by young onset dementia, the Network was launched in 2016 and is hosted by Dementia UK. 

Our values

• Collaboration – the Young Dementia Network learns from, involves and collaborates with people living with young onset dementia and their families, and professionals who work in the field. We facilitate and reinforce the collective strength of our connections, alliances and partnerships
• Compassion – the Young Dementia Network recognises the challenges of living with young onset dementia. We listen, understand and together take action to improve the lives of people with young onset dementia and their families
• Ambition – the Young Dementia Network is determined to pursue and achieve sustainable, equitable, effective improvements that meet the specific needs of, and empower, people with young onset dementia and their families.
• Integrity – the Young Dementia Network strives to be honest, truthful and respectful in everything we do, from how we treat each other and those we collaborate with to how we use expertise, evidence, experience and resources entrusted to us
• Equity - the Young Dementia Network seeks equity for all people living with young onset dementia and their families including a better recognition of their specific needs, a fair allocation of resources and opportunities and a more just and proactive upholding of rights. We value the unique contribution of every individual, organisation and network and offer a platform and opportunity to express it

The Young Dementia Network does not directly provide a support service. You can find sources of young onset dementia support here.   

How the Network works

Membership of the Network is open, free and inclusive of all who have an interest in young onset dementia. Members are encouraged to be actively involved in campaigns, activities and research opportunities. 

The Network is guided by a steering group who are responsible for advising on strategic direction, prioritising activities and reviewing progress and impact.  Steering group membership for professionals is usually by invitation and for those with personal experience by open invitation to apply.   

Activities are undertaken through workstreams which are usually led by steering group members or are delivered in collaboration with Dementia UK or other organisations or by the Young Dementia Network team.   

Our approach

We inform, influence, coordinate and strengthen the efforts of our members and others who live with, work with or are interested in young onset dementia, both as individuals and through their organisations and networks.    

We deliver activities designed to transform the young onset dementia landscape through:   

• awareness and knowledge   
• influence and activism   
• connection and collaboration 

Our goals

Consistent high levels of awareness and understanding of young onset dementia amongst all who can have a positive impact on people affected.  

• A powerful activist community with a shared young onset dementia agenda
• Equitable levels of priority in planning, funding and delivery for people affected by young onset dementia is given by all organisations with a responsibility for dementia
• Pre-diagnosis through to end-of-life services tailored for people affected by young onset dementia are provided by all in a position to do so

Check out our achievements, activities, newsletters, webinars and resources on this website.