The Young Onset Dementia service is a small, multidisciplinary team working across the Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams.

We offer support and guidance to people with young-onset dementia and their carers following a referral from their GP. We provide one-to-one support throughout the diagnosis process and afterwards.

Find out more about the support we offer using the sections below.

Our occupational therapists help you continue doing the everyday activities that are important to you.

Occupational therapy focuses on helping people take part in meaningful activities that support their health and wellbeing. It recognises that everyone has different needs, abilities and priorities, and takes a holistic approach to care.

Our occupational therapists will look at your daily routine and observe or complete activities with you to identify any challenges. We aim to help you maintain your independence and live well with dementia.

We use a range of assessments to understand your strengths, the difficulties you may be experiencing and how these affect your everyday life.

Together, we'll agree personal goals based on what matters to you. These might include remembering important tasks, finding objects at home or organising your daily routine to meet your changing needs.

We use a range of techniques and strategies to help you achieve these goals, including:

  • Cognitive rehabilitation
  • Breaking down activities into manageable steps
  • Problem-solving techniques
  • Using technology and other practical tools
  • Making changes to your home environment

Our focus is on helping you maintain your independence and quality of life, both now and in the future.

Cognitive rehabilitation

Cognitive rehabilitation is a type of therapy that helps you manage everyday activities. Research has shown that it can help people maintain their independence for longer.

Sessions usually take place in your home. A therapist will work with you and anyone involved in your care to agree personal goals. For example, you might want support with managing your money or getting to a leisure activity on time.

Psychological therapy involves talking in confidence to a trained therapist about thoughts and feelings that are troubling you.

Therapy gives you an opportunity to express yourself in a safe and supportive environment. It can help you understand yourself better and develop new ways of coping.

Sessions may take place individually or include people close to you. Group therapy may also be available, giving you the opportunity to meet others experiencing similar difficulties.

Some medications can help manage symptoms of certain types of dementia. Although there is currently no cure, many people live with dementia for years, and there are ways to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.

You may find helpful advice in our Living well with dementia booklet.

If you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, you may be offered one of the following medications:

  • Donepezil
  • Rivastigmine
  • Galantamine
  • Memantine

These medications can help manage symptoms, although they are not suitable for everyone or for every type of dementia.

They work by affecting chemical messengers in the brain that are involved in memory and thinking. Some people experience improvements in symptoms, but the benefits vary and may be temporary.

Possible side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness and loss of appetite.

Not everyone experiences side effects, and their severity and duration can vary. If you experience side effects, contact your prescriber.

The initial prescription can only be given by a doctor in the mental health team. Your GP may be able to continue prescribing once the correct dose has been established.

Speech and language therapists offer assessment, advice and support with:

  • Language and communication
  • Processing information
  • Memory
  • Eating, drinking and swallowing

They can provide practical advice and support for people with young onset dementia and their families.

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has an active Research and Development department offering opportunities to take part in research studies.

These include studies involving medication and other treatments or approaches. Taking part may provide access to innovative research that you might not otherwise encounter.

If you're interested in taking part in research, please speak to your healthcare professional.