The Growing Role of Young Dementia Carers and the Need for Targeted Support
Dementia is a rising global health challenge, affecting over 55 million people worldwide. In Australia, approximately 433,300 individuals are currently living with dementia, a number projected to reach 812,500 by 2054.

Dementia encompasses a range of brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, that lead to cognitive decline and impact memory, thinking, behavior, and mood. These changes gradually affect a person’s ability to manage daily tasks. While dementia is commonly associated with aging, around 75% of Australians with dementia live at home, relying on family members for care.

The Rising Number of Young Dementia Carers
Traditionally, caregiving for people with dementia has been the responsibility of older spouses or middle-aged children. However, a growing number of young adults in their 20s and 30s—and even teenagers—are stepping into this role to care for parents, grandparents, or other loved ones.

Australia has approximately 3 million carers, accounting for 11.9% of the population. Among them, 391,300 are under the age of 25, a significant increase from 235,300 in 2018. However, specific data on how many young carers are supporting a loved one with dementia remains limited. These young carers often go unrecognized and lack the necessary support systems.

The Unique Challenges of Young Dementia Carers
Unlike older caregivers who may have more financial stability and flexible schedules, young carers must juggle caregiving responsibilities with education, early-career demands, and personal development. Many still live with their parents—51% of men and 43% of women aged 20–24 in Australia—limiting their experience in managing a household independently.

Young carers often handle a range of responsibilities, including cooking, housework, budgeting, scheduling medical appointments, and administering medications. They may also provide physical support, such as assisting with mobility, dressing, bathing, and toileting. These responsibilities can be overwhelming and isolating, especially when their peers struggle to relate to their experiences.

Although support groups exist for dementia carers and young carers in general, few resources specifically address the needs of young adults caring for someone with dementia. Without targeted support, these young carers may face social isolation, as they struggle to balance their responsibilities with maintaining friendships and personal interests.

The Psychological and Physical Toll
Caring for a loved one with dementia can take a significant emotional toll. Research indicates that young carers are 35% more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout compared to their non-caregiving peers. While data specific to young dementia carers is scarce, broader studies show that 75% of dementia carers in Australia report physical or emotional strain, with 41% feeling exhausted and 31% experiencing depression or anxiety.

Additionally, negative stereotypes about aging—such as assumptions of frailty and forgetfulness—can shape young carers' perceptions of their own future health. Those caring for parents with young-onset dementia may also grapple with concerns about genetic inheritance, increasing anxiety about their own risk of developing the disease.

Physically, caregiving can lead to poor health outcomes. Many carers neglect exercise, healthy eating, and sleep due to their demanding roles. Reports indicate they often experience fatigue, headaches, back pain, and sleep disturbances.

Caring for a Parent: A Role Reversal
For young carers supporting a parent with dementia, the emotional burden is particularly intense. They face the progressive loss of parental support while simultaneously stepping into a caregiving role. Those caring for parents with young-onset dementia—diagnosed before age 65—often experience the added shock of an unexpected and early diagnosis.

This situation can be even more challenging if the dementia has a hereditary component. Young carers with a family history of dementia may worry about their own future health, which can influence life decisions, fuel anxiety, and create a persistent sense of vulnerability.

The Need for Targeted Support
Despite the growing number of young dementia carers, they remain largely overlooked in research, policy, and support services. Many do not self-identify as carers, which can prevent them from accessing available resources. Cultural norms and stigma around caregiving may also contribute to this lack of recognition.

To better support young dementia carers, specialized resources are needed beyond general caregiving support. These could include peer networks, educational programs, and practical skills training tailored to their unique experiences. Ideally, these initiatives should be co-developed with young carers to ensure they meet their specific needs.

With dementia cases expected to rise in Australia and worldwide, the demand for informal carers—including young people—will continue to grow. Without intervention, these young carers risk long-term physical and mental health consequences. Providing age-appropriate, flexible support is essential not only for their well-being but also for building a more sustainable and compassionate care system in the future.

Source: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/03/young-people-caring-for-loved-one-with-dementia-takes-a-unique-toll