3rd Edition of Dementia World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background: Early-onset dementia (EOD), defined as dementia occurring before the age of 65, represents a clinically distinct and often underrecognized subset of neurocognitive disorders. Unlike late-onset dementia, EOD frequently presents with heterogeneous and atypical symptomatology, which may obscure early diagnosis. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) is the most common underlying etiology of EOD, yet it often manifests with non-amnestic features. Patients commonly exhibit behavioral, psychiatric, or executive dysfunction rather than prominent memory impairment in the initial stages. As a result, EOD—particularly EOAD—is frequently misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, or functional neurological conditions. Delayed recognition not only postpones appropriate management but also contributes to significant psychological, social, and economic burdens for patients and caregivers. Increasing awareness of EOD is therefore essential, particularly among frontline clinicians, to reduce diagnostic delays and improve outcomes. Objective: The objective of this poster is to highlight common diagnostic pitfalls associated with early-onset dementia and to emphasize key clinical features that may facilitate earlier recognition in clinical practice. By addressing atypical presentations and commonly overlooked red flags, this work aims to support clinicians in differentiating EOD from primary psychiatric or functional disorders at earlier stages of disease progression. Methods: This poster presents an educational, case-inspired clinical scenario supported by a narrative review of the current literature. Peer-reviewed articles, clinical guidelines, and review papers addressing early-onset dementia were examined to identify common presenting features, diagnostic challenges, and delays in clinical recognition. Particular emphasis was placed on symptom patterns, cognitive domains affected, and the role of neuropsychological assessment and neuroimaging in diagnostic evaluation. Established diagnostic criteria and imaging findings were referenced to provide a clinically relevant framework for early identification. Results: Early-onset dementia frequently presents with non-memory symptoms such as personality changes, mood disturbances, executive dysfunction, language impairment, or behavioral abnormalities, features commonly observed in early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. These presentations are often misattributed to primary psychiatric conditions, particularly in younger patients without obvious neurological deficits. Diagnostic delays are commonly influenced by low clinical suspicion, fragmented healthcare pathways, and limited access to specialized neuropsychological testing or advanced imaging modalities. Evidence suggests that early neuropsychological assessment combined with appropriate neuroimaging, including magnetic resonance imaging, significantly improves diagnostic accuracy and facilitates earlier intervention. Delayed diagnosis in early-onset dementia has been associated with inappropriate treatment, increased caregiver burden, and reduced access to timely support services. Conclusion: Early recognition of early-onset dementia remains a significant clinical challenge due to its atypical presentations and frequent overlap with psychiatric disorders. Increased awareness of non-classical symptoms, combined with careful clinical assessment and timely use of diagnostic tools, is essential to reduce diagnostic delay. Early identification enables timely management, supports informed care planning, and improves quality of life for both patients and caregivers.