Young Onset Dementia
Dementia is often linked with older age, but it can affect people of any age.
In the UK, more than 40,000 people under the age of 65 are living with dementia.
When dementia affects someone under 65, it is called young onset dementia.
About our Young Onset Dementia Pathway
Nottinghamshire Healthcare has a specialist Young Onset Dementia (YOD) Diagnostic Pathway.
This service supports people under 65 who may have dementia.
The pathway helps to make sure people can get:
- a timely assessment
- an accurate diagnosis
- the right treatment
- ongoing support
The service is based within our Older People Care Unit.
This means you can access a wide range of dementia services after diagnosis.
The pathway covers:
- Nottingham City
- Nottinghamshire County
- Bassetlaw
Our aim
Our aim is to help people with young onset dementia stay active and well in their community.
This starts with access to a timely and thorough diagnosis.
Assessment and diagnosis
The Young Onset Dementia Pathway offers specialist assessment and diagnosis.
You may be seen by different clinicians and may have investigations, such as brain scans.
If dementia is diagnosed, we will work with you and your family to agree a care plan.
This plan is designed to help manage symptoms and support your wellbeing.
Your care plan may include:
- clear information about your diagnosis and support options
- medication, if appropriate
- referral to other services, such as Community Mental Health Teams or Intensive Home Treatment Teams if needed
- signposting or referral to social care or voluntary organisations, including the Alzheimer's Society and Tuvida (carers support organisation)
Attending the Young Onset Dementia Service
You have been referred because of concerns about your memory or thinking skills.
The service will work with you to understand what may be causing these changes.
Appointments are held at local clinics.
We will try to book you at a location close to your home.
Some appointments must take place at specific clinics or hospital sites.
Because waiting times can be long, we may offer you the next available appointment.
You can contact us if this is not convenient.
Your first appointment
Your first appointment will last between 60 and 90 minutes.
We encourage you to bring a family member or friend if you can.
At this appointment we will:
- explain what the service offers.
- talk about the difficulties you are experiencing.
- discuss how these affect your daily life.
- ask about your physical and mental health.
If you agree to continue, we may carry out some simple tasks.
These look at memory and thinking skills.
Please bring:
- any glasses or hearing aids you use.
- a list of your current medications.
Further tests and assessments
After the first appointment, we may suggest further tests, such as:
- blood tests.
- an ECG (heart tracing).
- brain scans, such as an MRI.
We will explain all tests and ask for your consent before going ahead.
You may also be offered further assessments. These could look at how you manage daily tasks at home or involve more detailed memory testing.
These assessments are carried out by an occupational therapist, clinical psychologist or assistant psychologist.
The assessment process
The assessment is not meant to be intrusive. It helps us gather enough information to give an accurate diagnosis.
Once all assessments are complete, we will arrange a follow-up appointment. A clinician will explain the results and discuss what happens next. You are welcome to bring a family member, carer or friend.
Because the assessment is complex, it can take some time. We will contact you as soon as possible to discuss results and next steps.
Contact details and support
If you have any questions, please contact us on 0115 956 0884.
Please also use this number if you need an interpreter for your appointments.
While you are waiting, you can contact the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.
They support people who are being assessed for dementia and those with a diagnosis.
They can offer advice and help you find further support.
Accessing our services
To use our service, you will need to be referred by your GP or a mental health professional.
Patients are usually seen in clinics or day service facilities, however home based assessment or treatment can be arranged if it is needed.
Service opening hours
8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
Contact and find us
Young Onset Dementia
Larwood
Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre
Portland Street
Kirkby in Ashfield
Notts
NG17 7AE
Tel: 0115 956 0884
Email: YODTeam@nottshc.nhs.uk
Travelling to Ashfield Health Village
Find your way here
Use Google Maps to find the best route to Ashfield Health Village.
Bus
You can get to the site using various Stagecoach and Trent Barton bus routes:
- Timetable - 90 - run by trentbarton Ripley - Mansfield
- Welcome - 33 - run by trentbarton Ilkeston - Mansfield
- Welcome - threes - run by trentbarton Nottingham - Mansfield
- A1 Bus Route and Timetable: Kirkby in Ashfield - Glenair | Stagecoach
Bike
There are bike racks at the back of the site.
You can plan your journey online by visiting the CycleStreets website.
Cycling to our sites is not only carbon emission free but is also excellent for physical and mental wellbeing.
Train
The nearest train stations are Kirkby in Ashfield (0.5 miles).
For help planning your journey please visit: Plan Your Journey | Traveline
Parking
There is limited free visitor and service user parking onsite.
Help in a crisis
Outside of office hours please contact your GP service, NHS 111, or in an emergency attend your local accident and emergency (A&E) department.
Information for health professionals
To refer a patient to the service please refer via the persons GP. Referrals can be sent to the services central email address YODTeam@nottshc.nhs.uk.
Young Onset Dementia
Larwood
Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre
Portland Street
Kirkby in Ashfield
Notts
NG17 7AE
Tel: 0115 956 0884
Support groups
There are support groups for people under 65 with dementia, as well as their carers and families, across the county. We can signpost you to support in your local area.
Useful support networks include:
- Home - Dementia UK
- Online community for young onset dementia - Young Dementia Network
- The Alzheimer's Society or Tuvida can also advise you on local support.
- Nottinghamshire Adult Social Care Directory | Care Choices
- Find young onset dementia support groups and services - Dementia UK
- A guide for employers (Dementia UK)
- A guide supporting people to work with dementia and for carers that are working (Dementia UK)
For more information, please contact us on 0115 956 0884.
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