Younger adults with dementia: A strategy to promote awareness and transform perceptions

Abstract

Within modern society, dementia is considered to be an older person’s disease yet people younger than 65 years are also diagnosed with this condition. This article describes dementia in the younger person highlighting their experiences and those of their families, along with nurses’ attitudes towards and perceptions of this client group. A strategy is proposed to positively influence and enhance the attitudes of health professionals ultimately enhancing the quality of life for younger people with dementia.

Keywords:

• attitudes
• awareness
• nursing
• younger people with dementia
• dementia
• patients as educators