The film Still Alice is being released tomorrow. It features Alice, a Harvard professor who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 50.


The film shows the impact the dementia diagnosis has on Alice and her family and we see her decline as the dementia worsens. 
Developing dementia at such a young age may sound like a story written for Hollywood but for over 42,000 people in the UK who are living with dementia aged under 65, it is a reality.  
A diagnosis of dementia has an enormous impact.
People are likely to still be working, may have significant financial commitments such as a mortgage and often have children or parents to support too.
There is no cure for dementia so with the diagnosis, a person’s future life plans are shattered. 
YoungDementia UK (YDUK) is an Oxfordshire-based charity that supports people aged under 65 who have been diagnosed with dementia.
Their team of support workers provide one-to-one support both for the person with dementia, and their family members, helping them all to adjust to the huge changes in life a young onset dementia diagnosis brings.
One family member said: ‘It is great to know somebody is there, not necessarily with all of the answers but with a sympathetic ear and knowledge.’
Last year in Oxfordshire, the organisation provided support to more than 70 people who are living with young onset dementia and to more than 150 family members. 
As well as providing support and advice, YDUK also organise regular social activities and groups that bring people together in an understanding and caring environment. 
The value of these social events is felt on many levels – “We enjoyed the garden party so much.
“Going out together means that, for once, you can just feel normal like everybody else.”
YDUK is committed to raising awareness of young onset dementia both in Oxfordshire and nationally.
As earlier diagnosis rates increase, the need for young onset services is growing, both in Oxfordshire and beyond.  
There are a number of ways to help the charity to continue its vital work with people in Oxfordshire who are living with young onset dementia:

  •  You can make a donation,
  • Become a volunteer 
  • Help with fundraising activities.

For more information on the support available or to support the cause, please visit the website youngdementiauk.org or email Helen, Community Fundraising Manager – helenlerwill@youngdementiauk.org