Young-onset dementia (YOD) refers to anyone under the age of 65 who has been diagnosed with a progressive decline in their mental functioning. Although there are a wide range of illnesses included in the definition of dementia, common symptoms include loss of memory, rationality, social skills and normal emotional reactions. Recent figures suggest roughly 26 000 Australians are affected by YOD, which is roughly 10% of all people diagnosed with dementia.