Providing key information and insight into the experiences of people living with a diagnosis of young onset dementia, this book will increase the knowledge and skills of health and social care professionals in the early recognition, diagnosis and support of young people with dementia and their families. The book explores the experiences of people living with a diagnosis of young onset dementia through detailed case studies, and gives learning points to implement in practice for the better provision of appropriate support and care. It explains the need for adapting services which are often designed for older people, and how the complicated diagnostic process can lead to misdiagnosis among younger people. Key issues are considered, including at-risk groups, work and dealing with potential loss of employment, changes in personal and family relationships, readjusting life expectations and plans, and social isolation. Reviews: A significant addition which critically and constructively examines the key issues around Young Onset Dementia through lived and professional experience. Based upon knowledge being empowering this book will enhance the body of knowledge and help the movement towards greater support and understanding. I totally commend it to all interested in the subject. — Keith Oliver, Alzheimer's Society Ambassador and KMPT Dementia Envoy About the Authors: Hilda Hayo has been the Chief Admiral Nurse/CEO for Dementia UK since 2013, the charity who specialises in the provision and development of Admiral Nurses (specialist dementia nurses) to help families live as well as possible with dementia. A dual registered nurse, she has over 35 years experience developing and leading dementia specialist teams. During this time, Hilda has held senior positions in clinical services, hospital management and higher education. She held Principal Lecturer posts at both London South Bank University and the University of Northampton, specialising in older people's mental health and community care. Hilda is particularly proud of setting up and leading a nurse-led Younger People with Dementia service in Northamptonshire and still retains a small clinical caseload of families living with the effects of young onset dementia. Alison Ward is an experienced health and wellbeing researcher, with a particular expertise in creativity and dementia. Alison gained a degree in Drama and Psychology from the University of Leicester, which led to her early career working for various theatre companies across the UK. Alison has since gained her MSc in Psychology from the Open University and is studying for her PhD at the University of Northampton, exploring the use of photography with people with dementia. Alison was awarded a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship in 2015 to visit Denmark and learn how the Danish use creative engagement to support people living with dementia. Alison lives in Northamptonshire and runs TimeSlips storytelling sessions in a local dementia ward and is founding member of the Forget Me Nots social group for people with dementia. Professor Jacqueline Parkes is an experienced registered mental health nurse practitioner, who has worked clinically across community, acute in-patient, rehabilitation, secure services, learning disability, and elderly mental health care settings. She is also a senior academic who has designed and delivered a broad range of educational nursing, mental health, and research programmes from foundation degree through to Professional Doctorates, including an MSc in Mental Health. Jackie's subject specialisms are mental health and nursing research, with a particular focus on developing and implementing person-centered care pathways and strong research interests in young onset dementia, early intervention, and social support, service evaluation and review through action research, project management, and psychological aspects of health and well-being.
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