Receiving a diagnosis of dementia at any age is a life-changing event; however for those under 65 it can be particularly difficult. Many people still have their children at home and the impact on the whole family can be huge. This is why we are asking for your support of the Young Onset Dementia Support Group.

The clinical team at St Georges Hospital Cognitive Neurology service established a Young Onset Dementia (YOD) Support Group in 2011, to allow people affected by YOD, their families and their carers to come together for peer support, education and advice.

Funding for these sessions is crucial to ensure the group can continue its amazing work. It is also more important than ever, with the impact of Coronavirus, that we find new ways to ensure these support groups can go ahead.

Ruth, wife and carer of a patient with YOD shared her diary entry during a difficult day during lockdown:

"We're both getting grumpy. He is losing interest in joining online activities. Fortunately he's still happy with Zoom sessions run by the well-loved [Young Onset Dementia] support group at our local hospital."

Ruth said: "Please do all you can to keep this vital Group going, and thank you for all [it has done] up to now to help me cope with this treacherous condition and the effect it has on its victims."

Donate today and help ensure that the Young Onset Dementia Support Group can continue its amazing work.