1st February 2024

Epidemiology

It is seen in individuals between 45-65 years.
It is estimated that 42,325 people in the UK have been diagnosed with young-onset dementia. (Ref Dementia UK, 2nd edition 2014, Alzheimer’s Society).
They represent around 5% of the 850,000 people with dementia.
The actual figure could be higher because of the difficulties of diagnosing the condition and may be closer to 6-9% of all people with dementia.
Awareness in primary care is still comparatively low, and when individuals are still functioning or working, symptoms are often recognised as stress, depression or anxiety rather than dementia.
Young onset dementia is not only uncommon but is challenging to distinguish. Since they are younger, they find it difficult to admit anything wrong, especially when they are healthy, resulting in delayed presentation with the doctors.
People with young-onset dementia are more likely to have a hereditary form of dementia.
Young-onset dementia seems to be higher among BAME groups.
Likewise, another group of individuals with a higher prevalence is those with Intellectual disabilities. Studies have shown that 1 in 10 people with a learning disability develop young-onset Alzheimer’s disease between the ages of 50 to 65.
The number of people with Down’s syndrome who develop Alzheimer’s disease is even greater, with 1 in 50 developing the condition aged 30-39, 1 in 10 aged 40-49, and 1 in 3 people with Down’s syndrome will have Alzheimer’s in their 50s and almost 1 in 2 at 60 years.

Complete Guide to Clinical Genetics ST3 Application and Recruitment (2027)

Written by Medibuddy. Last updated: October 2026. Clinical Genetics is

Recruitment paused: NHS England is not running Clinical Radiology ST3+ recru

Written by Medibuddy. Last updated: October 2026. If you’re planning

Our mobile app allows you to access your interview and exam question banks wherever you are.