Young Onset Dementia Awareness Day 2025

Today marks Young Onset Dementia Awareness Day

It is an opportunity to recognise, support, and raise awareness for those living with dementia under the age of 65.

While dementia is often seen as a condition that affects older people, thousands of younger adults across England are living with the reality of young onset dementia (YOD). For them, life can look very different, juggling careers, families, and everyday responsibilities while managing symptoms that can be misunderstood or overlooked.

Many face long waits for diagnosis and limited access to age-appropriate support. Services are too often designed with older adults in mind, meaning that younger people and their families can struggle to find care that meets their needs.

Understanding Young Onset Dementia

Young onset dementia affects people in the prime of their lives, who may still be working, raising children, or caring for others. Symptoms can include changes in memory, mood, or communication, but are often mistaken for stress or other conditions.

A diagnosis can have far-reaching effects on:

• Relationships
• Employment
• Identity
• Financial stability.

It can bring feelings of isolation or confusion, particularly when suitable support isn’t easily available.

Raising awareness is essential. By understanding that dementia can affect younger people too, we can help to break stigma, improve diagnosis, and ensure that care is accessible and responsive to everyone’s needs.

Care England’s Ongoing Commitment to Dementia Support

Care England continues to champion better awareness, earlier diagnosis, and improved support for people living with dementia, including those with young onset dementia.

In October 2024, Care England published Young Onset Dementia: Current Challenges and Future Needs, a detailed report developed in partnership with organisations and individuals with lived experience of YOD.

The report revealed that younger people living with dementia often face a triple challenge: delays in diagnosis, lack of recognition, and care services that do not reflect their realities. The report called for stronger clinical awareness, better data, and more consistent access to specialist support.

Building on this work, Care England launched The Current State of Dementia Diagnosis and Care in England this summer, 2025. This national review highlights gaps across the dementia care pathway and sets out practical recommendations for change, from improving diagnosis rates to ensuring a skilled, supported workforce.

Together, these reports provide a clear picture of what needs to change and a pathway towards more person-centred, inclusive care for people of all ages.

Care England remains committed to shining a light on the realities of young onset dementia, ensuring that no one is left behind because of their age.

Through its policy work, partnerships, and research, Care England continues to advocate for a future where dementia care is better understood, better supported, and better resourced, across every stage of life.

Raising awareness is the first step towards change. On this Young Onset Dementia Awareness Day, Care England stands with everyone affected by young onset dementia, their families, and the dedicated professionals providing care and support every day.

To explore Care England’s work and YODA:

• Care England: Young Onset Dementia Hub