Early-onset dementia describes the occurrence of the disease in people under 65. While the forms causing it are broadly similar to those in the elderly, younger people are more likely to have a rarer form of dementia and it is more likely to manifest itself with physical symptoms such as problems with co-ordination or balance.
According to Young Dementia UK, there are 42,325 people in the UK who have been diagnosed with young onset dementia, although this could be an underestimate because of the difficulties diagnosing the condition.
Research has suggested that diagnoses in young people are becoming more common, with some scientists saying that environmental factors may play a role, although it is unclear whether greater awareness is also boosting numbers.
Frontotemporal dementia is