Young Onset Dementia (YOD) Awareness Day takes place on Friday 24 October and aims to raise understanding of the challenges faced by people diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65.
Our trust has a specialised team to diagnose, treat and provide support to people living with this condition and their caregivers.
Younger people with dementia often have different experiences to those who receive their diagnosis in later life as many are still working, raising children, or managing financial commitments. With around 70,000 to 80,000 people in the UK affected, symptoms of young onset dementia are often mistaken for stress, menopause, or burnout, delaying diagnosis and support.
Marcel Fewins, Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist in our Young Onset Dementia team, said: “If people have concerns about declining memory, it’s best to see your GP. However, people with Young Onset Dementia may also present with changes in their personality or behaviour. They may also notice changes to their eyesight despite visits to opticians who find nothing wrong.”
Our Young Onset Dementia team uses cognitive rehabilitation, an evidence based, person-centred approach that helps people to lead fulfilling lives and work towards meaningful, practical goals.
Artist, Julie, who has been diagnosed with young onset dementia and received support from the team said: "The team’s support has been life-changing. Through cognitive rehabilitation therapy I’ve learned practical ways to manage the challenges of my diagnosis and rediscovered confidence in everyday life. It’s enabled me to look ahead again - to plan, create, and continue growing through my art.”
Following her diagnosis Julie began creating art using discarded confectionery foil and the success of this has led her work to be exhibited nationally, including at London’s Oxo Tower.
Julie said: “I transform overlooked materials into thought-provoking art, challenging perceptions of waste and beauty. My pieces explore the interplay between the familiar and the forgotten, offering new life and meaning to materials often dismissed.”
For more details on young onset dementia, visit our Young Onset Dementia webpage.
To see more of Julie’s work and details on her Foil Alchemy exhibitions, visit her Instagram site or website.
Pictured above: Our Young Onset Dementia Team.
Pictured above: Julie Fisher with an exhibit from her Foil Alchemy collection.