Eight key needs of people with young onset dementia and family members

As part of The Angela Project, a three-year long young onset dementia research study, the team asked people living with young onset dementia and family supporters to tell them about services they had found helpful.  They received over 850 examples.

They analysed these to see what needs helpful services met; this led to a set of eight needs that seem to be central to helpful support.  The short films below have been created to highlight these eight key areas of support.

People living with young onset dementia need

1. Young onset specific information, advice and support to stay independent

2. Age-appropriate support to stay fit, active and mentally well

3. Age-appropriate activity and occupation to maintain identity

Family members of people living with young onset dementia need

4. Specialist support to know how to care for issues specific to young onset dementia

5. Support to retain life beyond caring, such as employment

People living with young onset dementia and family members both need

6. To feel connected with each other

7. To feel connected with friends or others who understand challenges of living with young onset dementia

8. To have opportunities to contribute to wider society

To read a collection of young onset dementia research studies related to The Angela Project, click here.