Early-Onset Dementia and LPA: Acting Before It's Too Late

Early-Onset Dementia: Why LPA is Urgent

Early-onset dementia (diagnosed before age 65) affects around 42,000 people in the UK. If you or a family member has received this diagnosis, creating Lasting Powers of Attorney is one of the most important things you can do—and time is critical.

The Urgency of Acting Now

Why Every Day Matters

With early-onset dementia:

• Capacity can decline unpredictably
• Some types progress faster than in older people
• You may have decades of life requiring care decisions
• Financial implications are significant (working age, mortgage, family)

The Hard Truth

You can only create an LPA while you have mental capacity.

Once dementia progresses to where you cannot understand what an LPA is, you cannot create one. There are no exceptions. The alternative—Court of Protection—takes 6-12 months and costs thousands.

Types of Early-Onset Dementia

Different types progress differently:

Alzheimer's Disease

• Most common type
• Usually gradual decline
• Memory affected early
• LPA window: Often several years

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

• Common in younger people
• Personality/behaviour changes early
• Judgement affected
• LPA window: May be shorter

Vascular Dementia

• Stepwise decline
• May stabilise between events
• LPA window: Variable

Other Types

• Lewy body dementia
• Mixed dementia
• Rarer genetic forms

Understanding your type helps with planning, but the advice remains: act NOW.

Creating LPA After Diagnosis

Capacity Assessment

A diagnosis doesn't mean you lack capacity. In early stages, most people can:

• Understand what an LPA is
• Choose their attorneys
• Make decisions about their care
• Sign legal documents

If there's any doubt, get a formal capacity assessment from your doctor.

Steps to Take Immediately

Create both types of LPA - Property & Financial Affairs AND Health & Welfare

Choose attorneys carefully - They may be acting for decades

Include detailed preferences - Document your wishes while you can express them

Register immediately - Don't wait for symptoms to worsen

Consider additional planning - Will, advance decision, future care preferences

Special Considerations for Younger People

Employment and Income

Early-onset dementia often affects people still working:

• Your attorney can manage employment matters
• Handle pension decisions
• Deal with benefits applications
• Manage mortgage/rent payments

Family Responsibilities

You may have:

• Dependent children
• Caring responsibilities for elderly parents
• Partner still working

Your LPA should consider these ongoing obligations.

Longer Time Horizon

Unlike later-life dementia:

• Care may be needed for 20+ years
• Attorneys need to be available long-term
• Financial planning is more complex
• Multiple replacement attorneys are wise

Different Care Needs

Younger people with dementia often need:

• Different care settings (not traditional elderly care)
• More active engagement
• Peer support groups
• Continued social connection

Include preferences about these in your LPA.

Choosing Attorneys Carefully

Key Considerations:

• Longevity: Will they be able and willing to act for potentially decades?
• Age: Younger attorneys may be more appropriate
• Multiple attorneys: Consider several, acting jointly and severally
• Replacement attorneys: Essential for long-term planning
• Professional option: Consider adding a solicitor or accountant

Common Arrangements:

• Spouse/partner as primary
• Adult children as joint or replacement
• Sibling or close friend as backup
• Professional for financial LPA

Including Detailed Preferences

While you can still express yourself clearly, document:

For Property & Financial:

• How you want finances managed
• Investment preferences
• Gifts to family (within rules)
• Business interests
• Property wishes

For Health & Welfare:

• Care preferences (home vs residential)
• Treatment wishes
• Daily routine preferences
• Social and activity preferences
• Life-sustaining treatment views

Example Statements:

• "I want to remain active and engaged as long as possible"
• "Quality of life matters more to me than length"
• "I want to stay connected with my profession/hobbies"
• "My children's education is a priority for my finances"

Other Planning Steps

Advance Decision (Living Will)

Separate document for refusing specific treatments—consider alongside LPA.

Will Review

Update your Will considering your diagnosis:

• Trusts for family protection
• Guardianship for children
• Estate planning

Letter of Wishes

Detailed document for your attorneys covering daily preferences, values, and guidance.

Financial Planning

• Review life insurance
• Consider care costs
• Benefit entitlements
• Pension options

Supporting Partners and Family

Your diagnosis affects everyone. LPAs help by:

• Giving clear legal authority
• Reducing family disputes
• Documenting your wishes
• Providing security for the future

Getting Help

Organisations:

• Young Dementia UK
• Dementia UK
• Alzheimer's Society
• Rare Dementia Support

For LPA:

• myLPA for straightforward online process
• Solicitor for complex estates
• GP for capacity assessment

Act Today

If you've been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, creating your LPAs is one of the most important gifts you can give your family. Don't wait.

Create Your LPAs Now →

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*This article is for guidance only. Seek professional advice for your specific situation.*