Grant: Doctoral Award - Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships

Alzheimer's Disease was first identified in a woman in her fifties, but today it is commonly regarded as a disease of old age. Though persons with early-onset dementia (EOD) (onset before 65) played a seminal role in the early understanding of the disease, they are underrepresented in the contemporary literature on dementia. Younger people living with dementia have many of the same needs as older adults, but because EOD affects people during a different phase of the life course, they tend to have additional needs and challenges. Objectives: 1) To compare the health characteristics of people with EOD and late-onset dementia (LOD); 2) To identify the care pathways and service needs of people with EOD across the continuum of care; and 3) To develop recommendations to improve services for people with EOD and their families. Methods: The research will employ a mixed methods approach to provide a comprehensive examination of the needs and care pathways of people with EOD. Secondary analysis of the Survey on Living with Neurological Conditions in Canada (SLNCC) will examine and compare the demographic characteristics, health, and care use of people with EOD and LOD. Qualitative interviews with people with EOD and their caregivers will complement survey data by exploring in-depth how patients and their families navigate available health and support services. Contribution: This study will identify ways to improve existing services to better meet the needs of younger people with dementia. The research will also inform the planning of specialized services and programs for this population.