Snapshot
- Young onset dementia refers to any type of dementia where symptom onset occurs before the age of 65. Behaviour changes that contribute to legal problems in midlife—criminal offending, relationship breakdown or poor job performance—should prompt consideration of young onset dementia.
- People diagnosed with young onset dementia require timely referral for legal advice. They commonly face legal issues involving employment transitions, disability support, financial protection, appointment of enduring representatives, and wills and estate planning.
- A dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean a lack of decision-making capacity. Capacity must be considered on a decision-specific basis with appropriate supports and effective communication strategies to maximise the person’s participation in decision-making.
Michael, aged 57, and his wife Johanna, aged 53, have been married for 17 years and have two children, aged 13 and 15 years. Over the past months, Michael has been experiencing significant difficulties at work, including multiple angry outbursts at colleagues. He has been placed on performance management. Michael has seen his GP who recommended a period of stress leave. At home, Michael has been uncharacteristically cold towards his family. Johanna is considering separation. The situation escalated recently when Michael was charged and had his licence suspended following a road rage incident involving dangerous driving and verbal abuse of a police officer.
What Michael and his family don’t yet understand is that these behavioural changes are symptoms of young onset dementia.
