Liverpool to host awareness event for young-onset dementia

To help tackle misinformation, Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance is holding a Young Onset Dementia Awareness Day at Liverpool Central Library.

The event, which takes place on 7th May from 10am until 4pm, aims to raise awareness of the condition and challenge public assumptions that it only affects older people.

The free public event put on by the Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance will aim to connect younger people and their families with the support they need.

Despite dementia often being associated with old age, approximately 72,000 people under the age of 65 in the UK are living with what is known as young-onset dementia, with about a third having no diagnosis.

Dementia services are often targeted towards older people, which means younger people with the condition can find it hard to gain the support needed.

The event will include talks on young-onset dementia and how the experience differs from having the condition in older age as well as Information stalls from local organisations offering advice and support.

There will also be conversations encouraged with younger people with dementia and their carers about how it has affected their lives. People will have the chance to become a ‘Dementia Friend’ and take their own step towards helping to raise awareness.

This event is open to everyone, including:

People living with a young-onset dementia diagnosis, or worried that something might be wrong
Families, friends and unpaid carers
Anyone in the health and social care professions
People working in any public-facing role, including teachers and educators
The general public with an interest in finding out more

Chair of Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance, Jack Coutts, says:

“There needs to be much better understanding of Young Onset Dementia and of the services and support available for people affected, including unpaid carers. This event will go a long way towards addressing that need.”