Childhood Dementia – a forgotten community
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Charles Hallé Room |
Chris Knifton
Associate professor in neurocognitive and neurodevelopmental studies
De Montfort University
Summary
Over 100 neurogenerative conditions cause childhood dementia. Dementia campaigns, literature, policy, workforce education however, pay this important area little recognition when compared to adult-onset dementia.
The aim of this presentation is to therefore highlight awareness and provide a space for its inclusion. Like adult-onset, childhood dementia is a chronic life-limiting condition that causes similar symptoms. Whilst some children journey progress into early adulthood and may be known to young-onset dementia services, sadly most will die in childhood, half by the age of 10 years old.
This presentation will discuss childhood dementia. It will centre stage the trail-blazing work done already by the Australian Childhood Dementia Initiative, Alzheimer Scotland and others including the work they do to advocate for the children affected and their families. Importantly, it will seek a call to action to our dementia community for its wider inclusion in our discussions, projects, education, publications, conferences and national policy.