Dementia describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. It is not one specific disease.

Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Brain function is affected enough to interfere with the person’s normal social or working life.

The hallmark of dementia is the inability to carry out everyday activities as a consequence of diminished cognitive ability.

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The term early onset dementia refers to dementia that first occurs in a person under age 65. The dementia may be caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other diseases and conditions.

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Possible symptoms of early onset dementia may include:

• Subtle short-term memory changes

• Difficulty finding the right words

• Changes in mood

• Apathy

• Difficulty completing normal tasks

• Confusion

• Difficulty following storylines

• A failing sense of direction

• Being repetitive

• Struggling to adapt to change