Symptoms of young onset dementia after EastEnders twist raises awareness
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More than 70,000 Brits are believed to be living with the progressive condition of young onset dementia. This form of dementia has recently been highlighted in an EastEnders storyline twist that saw character Nigel Bates, a familiar face since 1992, reveal his diagnosis.
Digital Spy reported that EastEnders bosses are committed to portraying this tragic condition accurately and sensitively through Nigel's character, partnering with organisations like Dementia UK to ensure they get the facts right. Young onset dementia, not to be mistaken for childhood dementia which affects young children and teenagers, refers to dementia that develops before the age of 65.
Some individuals can start showing symptoms as early as their 30s. As symptoms often begin around midlife, it can cause significant upheaval and distress to the patient and their family, not just due to the emotional impact of the diagnosis. The patient often has substantial long-term commitments such as a mortgage, career or caring for elderly parents that they will need to consider. Dementia UK highlighted that many younger people are completely unaware of the early signs and symptoms because the condition is often "wrongly" associated with old age.
Furthermore, some of the earliest symptoms may not be related to memory and can vary greatly from person to person. Early warning signs of young onset dementia often include changes in behaviour and personality, such as sudden irritability, anxiety, irrationality or uncharacteristic actions.
