Sometimes, dementia affects a person who is in their 30s, 40s or 50s.
This is rare, and it is known as early-onset or young-onset dementia.
In the UK, about 40,000 people are living with early-onset dementia.
Because they are younger, people with early-onset dementia are more likely to have children or teenagers who are still living at home.
If you have a parent who is living with dementia, you will already know that it can be very different from having a grandparent or other relative with dementia.
While some of the symptoms might be the same, your parent’s illness is likely to affect your life in many different ways.
Some young people help to care for a parent with dementia.
This is a very difficult thing to do.
This information was updated in November 2019 and is due for review in November 2021. Please contact us if you would like a version with references.