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

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.