A DEMENTIA service in Glasgow has reported seeing an increased number of people in their 50s seeking support.

Arlene Crocket, resource manager at the Dementia Support Service in Bridgeton, said more people were “actively seeking a diagnosis” because of greater awareness of early-onset forms of the condition.

She said younger patients can face a different set of challenges from older people such as less financial support and are more likely to suffer from rarer forms of dementia.

The centre, run by Alzheimer’s Scotland in Bridgeton, opened last year and provides a range of services, including activities targeted at patients under the age of 65.

Around 3,500 people in Scotland are thought to be suffering from an early onset form of dementia, which was highlighted in the Hollywood movie Still Alice, starring Julianne Moore, and earned her a BAFTA award.

Arlene Crocket said: “We are seeing people in their 50s and early 60s which is the range of early onset dementia.

“I think there is a greater awareness now and people are actively seeking a diagnosis as a result of that.

“We are able to provide a range of supports with that age group such as day trips and a dementia cafe.

“The impact of dementia on a younger patient can be more complex.

“The progress of people in that age range can be much quicker. They will need a greater range of services.

“People under 65 usually have a lot of complications to their illness and much rarer forms of dementia.

“Some people might still be in employment, they will experience different changes with their benefits.

“There are differences in the type of support that might be available and how much support they get.

“People under 65 are not entitled to free personal care.

“What we would encourage is for people to get their diagnosis as early as they can.”

The Scottish Conservatives are calling for free care to be extended to patients under the age of 65 who are suffering from dementia and other degenerative conditions.

The party confirmed it would launch a Holyrood member’s bill in the summer to introduce the so-called Frank’s Law.

It is named after former Dundee United footballer Frank Kopel, who died in 2014 after being diagnosed with dementia.

Mr Kopel’s wife, Amanda, has been campaigning for a change in the law.

Although often thought of as a disease of older people, around 4% of people with Alzheimer’s are under 65.

It usually affects people in their 40s, 50s and early 60s.

While some symptoms can be similar to those of late-onset Alzheimer’s, the disease can also reveal itself in more unusual ways in younger people.

This can make it more difficult for people, families and doctors to recognise.

Symptoms can include memory problems which interfere with everyday life.

This may include: forgetting messages or recent events which would normally be remembered, or repeating questions.

Confusion or disorientation. People may become confused in unfamiliar situations and lose a sense of place and time.

Changes in personality and behaviour. These may be subtle at first and could include apathy, depression or loss of confidence.

Language problems – difficulty finding the right words and communicating. This may sometimes be called aphasia.

Visual problems – people can have difficulty recognising words and objects and judging speed or distance. When visual problems are a major symptom, the disease may be called posterior cortical atrophy.

For more information go to www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/