Around seven and a half percent of those diagnosed with dementia in the UK are under 65 years of age. This is called young-onset dementia and can bring different concerns and challenges for those affected – such as employment and raising children – and specific support is often hard to find.
For this reason, Shaftesbury has teamed up with Suffolk charity Red Gables, to host an event in October to bring together people in Suffolk affected by young-onset dementia.
The event was the idea of Claudia Boese from Ipswich, who was diagnosed with young-onset dementia in 2024 at the age of 61.
Claudia said: “I was diagnosed a year ago but probably had it six or seven years before. Being diagnosed was a shock – my whole life has changed.”
Claudia has faced challenges getting a job, applying for many nursing roles without success due to her developing dementia.
Despite her struggles, Claudia maintains an incredibly positive mindset. She teaches painting and is still looking for other opportunities in retail. She also found one of the most significant ways to help her brain is to stay active. Claudia is enjoying a drama course, swimming and cycling – eeping her positive and motivated to carry on – something she wishes to encourage for others at the event.
“Exercise is really important, nature and eating really well… because if you eat well your brain feels it.”
She said: “Some people haven’t heard about it (young-onset dementia). I’m interested to meet people my age and understand how they are taking it and how they can use the support available in Suffolk.”
The event aims to educate people on how to spot symptoms of dementia and how it affects people differently; meaning people can see signs in their loved ones earlier.
Jo Marshall, service manager at Shaftesbury Suffolk Memory and Dementia Support Service, said: “Young-onset dementia affects a small number of people, but for those it affects it presents a number of different challenges and people like Claudia can feel very isolated. That is why we have a dedicated young-onset advisor in our team. The event is an opportunity to help people in a similar situation connect and for a conversation, which will help us make sure there is appropriate help and support in Suffolk for this group of people.”
The event is at the Novotel Ipswich on Saturday 18 October, from 10am to 12pm, with staff from Red Gables and Shaftesbury Suffolk Memory and Dementia Support Service.
To find out more, contact Shaftesbury Suffolk Memory and Dementia Support on 080 8281 5804 or suffolkmemorysupport@shaftesburygroup.org