DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES AND CARE PATHWAYS IN YOUNG-ONSET DEMENTIA – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Young-onset dementia (YOD), defined as the onset of dementia symptoms before the age of 65, is a clinically and diagnostically complex condition that significantly impacts patients and families during peak social and economic stages of life. Compared to late-onset dementia, YOD more frequently presents with atypical features such as personality changes, executive dysfunction, psychiatric symptoms, or language impairments, often leading to delayed diagnosis and misclassification as primary psychiatric disorders. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of current evidence on the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and management of YOD. Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia are the most common neurodegenerative causes, though a broad differential including autoimmune, infectious, metabolic, and hereditary disorders must be considered. Improving clinician awareness and access to age-appropriate diagnostic services is critical to reducing diagnostic delays and improving quality of life for individuals affected by YOD. Aim of study: The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of YOD, focusing on its diverse etiologies, clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, and current management strategies. By synthesizing evidence from recent literature, the study seeks to offer practical guidance for clinicians in improving the timely recognition, differential diagnosis, and multidisciplinary care of individuals affected by YOD.