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.
Svanberg
Emma
E
Primary Care Psychology and Counselling Service, Tower Hamlets, London, UK. emma.svanberg@nhs.net
Spector
Aimee
A
Stott
Joshua
J
D000367:Age Factors; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D006113:United Kingdom