The Forget-Me-Nots: Developing a Social Group for People with Young Onset Dementia and their Carers

Project Description: Based on the findings of some work undertaken by the Dementia Research Network in the Institute for Health and Well-being at the University of Northampton (UK), it has been identified that individuals with young onset dementia and their carers wish to be actively supported in rebuilding normal social networks following initial diagnosis, while receiving timely and appropriate access to formal integrated care pathways. This presentation will present the findings and recommendations which describe the impact diagnosis has made to the quality of life and life choices for both the PwYOD and their carers, and the development of specific tailor-made community- based social interventions, which are designed to promote normalisation and social connectedness. Early discussions about setting up a social group for people with young onset dementia (aged