Page 21 - Prescription for Life YOD v3

There is also a greater variation in the types of
dementia in younger people. Alzheimer’s Disease is
still common, with vascular dementia (damage in
blood vessels), fronto-temporal dementia, head
trauma and alcohol abuse also leading to dementia in
younger people. It can also occur secondary to other
medical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis,
Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Down
Syndrome or Epilepsy [6].

Indigenous Australians are diagnosed earlier than the
general Australian population, with the 45-69 year old
age group more common [1].

The social and economic costs of a dementia diagnosis
for someone aged under 65 can be particularly
devastating, as these individuals may:

? Still be in full-time employment
? Be raising a young family

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