Timely diagnosis of young-onset dementia (YOD) is critical. This study aimed to identify factors that increased time to diagnosis at each stage of the diagnostic pathway. Participants were patients diagnosed with YOD (n = 40) and their care partners (n = 39). Information was obtained from questionnaires, and review of medical records. Mean time from symptom onset to YOD diagnosis was 3.6 ± 2 years. Suspicion of depression/anxiety at presentation was associated with significantly increased time from presentation to specialist referral. Neurologist-diagnosed YOD was the fastest route to a diagnosis, whereas diagnoses made by other specialists significantly increased the time from first specialist visit to diagnosis. By investigating multiple stages of the diagnostic pathway, we identified two factors that increased time to diagnosis: suspicion of depression/anxiety at presentation delayed specialist referral from primary care, and diagnosis by a specialist other than a neurologist delayed diagnosis of YOD.

Shruti Sharma

Christina Ilse

Kiri Brickell

Campbell Le Heron

Keith Woods

Ashleigh O’Mara Baker

Lynette Tippett

Maurice A. Curtis

Brigid Ryan

American Journal of Alzheimer s Disease & Other Dementias®

American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias® (AJADD) is for professionals on the frontlines of Alzheimer's care, dementia, and clinical depression--especially physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, administrators, and other healthcare specialists who manage patients with dementias and their families. This journal is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

The American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias (AJADD) is a journal aimed at professionals on the frontlines of Alzheimer's care, dementia, and clinical depression. It is particularly relevant for physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, administrators, and other healthcare specialists who manage patients with dementias and their families. This journal is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

《American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias》是一本面向阿尔茨海默病、痴呆症和临床抑郁症领域专业人士的期刊，特别是那些在阿尔茨海默病护理、痴呆症和临床抑郁症前线工作的医生、护士、精神科医生、管理人员以及其他医疗专业人员，他们负责管理痴呆症患者及其家庭。该期刊是出版伦理委员会（COPE）的成员。

Category	Quartile
医学	4
医学, 临床神经病学	4
医学, 老年医学	4

Determinants of Time to Diagnosis in Young-Onset Dementia

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Journal Info

Category	Quartile
GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY	3