Overview
Young onset dementia (YOD), where symptoms appear before age 65, accounts for about 9% of dementia cases. In Poland, an estimated 45,000 people live with YOD, yet awareness and specialized support services are lacking. Unlike late-onset dementia, YOD disproportionately affects working professionals, young parents, and socially active individuals, posing unique challenges. This project aims to identify gaps in care and develop resources for individuals living with YOD and their caregivers.
Project Details
This study will assess the needs of individuals with YOD, their caregivers, and healthcare providers in Poland. Using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, we will collect data through interviews, focus groups, and surveys with three key groups: (1) people living with YOD, (2) current and former caregivers, and (3) medical professionals. The findings will guide the development of educational materials tailored to patients and caregivers, addressing financial, psychological, and medical challenges. In the long term, this project will support the creation of a multidisciplinary care center focused on YOD. By identifying key barriers to diagnosis and care, we aim to drive policy changes and improve the quality of life for individuals with YOD and their families in Poland.
Members involved
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