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The impact of young onset dementia on the family: a literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 August 2010

Emma Svanberg*
Affiliation:
Primary Care Psychology and Counselling Service, Tower Hamlets, London, U.K.
Aimee Spector
Affiliation:
Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, U.K.
Joshua Stott
Affiliation:
Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, U.K.
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr Emma Svanberg, Primary Care Psychology and Counselling Service, Steels Lane Health Centre, 384–398 Commercial Road, London E1 0LR, U.K. Phone: +44 2077913660. Email: emma.svanberg@nhs.net.

Abstract

Background: The needs of younger people with dementia have become increasingly recognized in service development. However, little is known about the impact of a diagnosis of young onset dementia on people aged under 65 years and their families. This paper reviews the literature on the experiences of younger people with dementia and their families in the U.K., and outcomes for carers.

Methods: Twenty-six studies, encompassing a variety of themes concerning this population, were reviewed following a systematic literature search.

Results: Results are divided into the impact on the individual and the impact on the family, specifically carer outcomes and the impact on children.

Conclusions: The studies reviewed reveal a number of negative outcomes for the individual and carers, and highlight the need for further research.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2010

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