Comparing the Overall Health, Stress, and Characteristics of Canadians with Early-Onset and Late-Onset Dementia.

Abstract

Dementia is increasingly recognized as a public health priority, but little is known about persons with early-onset dementia (EOD). The objectives of this article are (a) to compare the socio-demographic and health characteristics of people with EOD and late-onset dementia (LOD) and (b) to examine the relationships between EOD and overall health and life stress. Data were from the Survey on Living With Neurological Conditions in Canada (SLNCC). Logistic regression models were used to identify the characteristics associated with EOD and LOD, and to assess the impact of EOD on overall health and life stress. Compared with LOD, individuals with EOD were more likely to be male, to have a mood disorder, and to have a longer illness duration. EOD was associated with high life stress, but not with negative overall health. This study identified attributes associated with EOD that have important implications for service planning.