Video: Changing the stories we tell about young onset dementia

When Natasha was growing up, her grandfather Linus had young onset dementia. But she didn't see her family's experiences as immigrants and people of colour reflected in dementia literature. Here Natasha and her father, Basil, tell us more.

Understand young onset dementia through Natasha and Basil's story

Roughly 28,000 people in Canada are living with young onset dementia. Every one of them, and their family members, has a story to tell.

In this video, Natasha and Basil remember their late family member Linus. Linus was Natasha's grandfather, so she experienced his young onset dementia from the perspective of a young girl.

That experience motivated her to go into dementia-care fields as an adult, and to make space for people of colour and immigrant families in narratives around young onset dementia.

Linus was Basil's father. Basil was an adult when his father started to show signs of young onset dementia. But it took one day in particular to show him just how far the symptoms had developed.

If you or someone you know is living with young onset dementia, your local Alzheimer Society is here for you. Find your area office's contact information now at alzheimer.ca/Find.

Or reach our national information and referral line at 1-855-705-4636 and [email protected] to get connected with your regional experts ASAP.

What is young onset dementia?

Young onset dementia is a diverse condition. It affects people aged 18 to 64. Dozens of different brain diseases can cause it. Young onset dementia can bring a range of life changes—and life adaptations, too. Find out more here.

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A gridded array of many adults of different ages and cultural backgrounds

How to get a diagnosis for young onset dementia

Research shows it can take people with young onset dementia 57% longer to get a diagnosis compared to older people with dementia. Here are some ways to try and get a diagnosis sooner—along with faster access to supports and therapies.

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A woman wearing a labcoat and stethoscope discusses documents on a clipboard with a midlife woman