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Comparative Study
. 2013 Feb;28(1):42-6.
doi: 10.1177/1533317512466690. Epub 2012 Dec 4.

The needs of patients with early onset dementia

Elizabeth Armari  1 , Anna Jarmolowicz, Peter K Panegyres
Affiliations
Comparative Study

The needs of patients with early onset dementia

Elizabeth Armari et al. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

Aim: The burden of early-onset dementia (EOD) is often overshadowed by an ageing population.

Methods: A questionnaire comprising 12 items was completed by 18 patients with EOD (15 with Alzheimer's disease [AD] and 3 with frontotemporal dementia) and 39 caregivers (20 spouses, 8 children, 7 siblings, 2 carers, and 2 health professionals). The onset of patients' symptoms was prior to the age of 65 years. Caregivers had to be supporting someone who matched these criteria.

Results: Early recognition and referral was perceived as the principle area of improvement by both patients (94.4%) and carers (69.2%; P < .0002). Patients evaluated "diagnosis" as the area of most need (88.9%) compared with caregivers who rated "treatment" (69.2%) as their principle concern.

Conclusion: The perceived concerns of patients with EOD differ from that of the caregivers. Continued consumer involvement is essential in ensuring a tailored approach to young people with dementia.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Participant inclusion.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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