Younger Onset Dementia - New Day Programme

Imagine being told you have dementia in middle age, when you are working, engaged in the community, supporting a family and perhaps still have teenage children at home. Currently about 6000 New Zealanders have a type of dementia that began for them between the ages of 45 and 65 (and sometimes younger). This is termed Younger Onset Dementia.

Leading an active and engaged life is important for those with younger onset dementia, so they can retain good physical and mental function and remain in their own home for longer.

Typical dementia day centres are designed for older people who are less physically fit and with different social needs. Younger onset dementia men and women need activities that are physically, mentally and socially stimulating, which help them retain a sense of fun, purpose and dignity.

A day centre such as this also provides valuable respite for the spouse or other family members looking after the person living with dementia.