Care considerations for persons with early-onset dementia: A case studies analysis

Persons with early-onset dementia are a growing subpopulation of persons with dementia. Persons with early-onset dementia are more vulnerable to negative societal-and health care-related effects of dementia. Four case studies are presented. Identified themes are (1) coping with the stigma of dementia diagnosis; (2) lack of access to health care benefits and community-based services; (3) loss of income, work roles, and related benefits; (4) loneliness and isolation; (5) difficulties in meeting the safety needs of those who are physically active; (6) challenges in finding appropriate long-term care placement; and (7) caregiver difficulties. Implications for future studies are described.