Research
Young onset dementia
Alzheimer’s Research UK has funded over £194 million of pioneering research into different kinds of dementia, including young onset dementia.
In this section:
Several studies are looking at the genetics of young onset dementia, and another is working with people with young onset dementia, including FTD and Alzheimer’s to follow their health over several years. Our studies are helping to increase understanding of the diseases that cause young onset dementia, improve diagnosis and develop potential new treatments.
Below you can hear from Melissa, whose mum Wendy was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer's. She reflects on her mum's experience taking part in research, and why she's signed up to take part too.
People with and without dementia, as well as carers, have a vital role to play in helping scientists understand more about diseases like Alzheimer's, and to test new treatments, therapies and methods of diagnosis.
You can register to find out which research studies you may be suitable to take part in via Join Dementia Research.
You can also register your interest and find out more about what might be involved in a research study by clicking the button below.
It's too late for Mum, but for our generation and our children's generation, I can't bear the thought of another loved one having Alzheimer's. With the work Alzheimer's Research UK is doing there will be change. We really need to step up research on dementia to stop so many families going through this heartbreak.
Jane, whose mum was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer's.
With your support, we promise we will not stop until dementia can no longer destroy lives.
We are Alzheimer’s Research UK.
We exist for a cure.
Read about volunteer experiences of taking part in research.
Find out more about taking part in research.
Downloads
Dementia information
Read more about treatments for dementia, including information on treating depression, anxiety and agitation and for information on antipsychotics.
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PDF, 5.82 MB, 15 pages
Order health information
Alzheimer's Research UK has a wide range of information about dementia. Order booklets or download them from our online form.
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This information was updated in March 2026 and is due for review in March 2028. It was written by Alzheimer's Research UK's Information Services team with input from lay and expert reviewers. Please get in touch if you'd like a referenced copy.
This information is produced with support from The Perfume Shop who had no input into the content.
