How do caregivers of patients with young onset dementia perceive the period prior to diagnosis?
Deliane van Vliet, C. Bakker, M de Vugt, R. Koopmans, F. Verhey Background: The literature suggests that dementia in early age (EOD) may lead to specific age related needs and a higher impact on patients and their informal caregivers than dementia in older age (LOD). Indications exist that it takes longer to receive a diagnosis in early compared with late onset dementia, which may cause feelings of frustration or insecurity. The objective is to gain insight in how caregivers of people with young onset dementia perceive the period prior to diagnosis. Methods: The NeedYD-study is a 2-year prospective cohort study with five assessments at six month intervals. 200 dementia patients with onset of the disease before the age of 65 were recruited. Patients and caregivers were recruited from memory clinics and specialized day-care centers. Preliminary results were obtained from qualitative interviews with 21 primary caregivers of young onset dementia patients. Outcomes were caregivers’ experien
