The Angela Project was a three-year research study carried out by the universities of Bradford, Northampton, Surrey and UCL, funded by the Alzheimer’s Society, and in partnership with Dementia UK and YoungDementia UK. 

The study was dedicated to Angela who was diagnosed with dementia at 51 years of age.  She had symptoms for three years before getting a confirmed diagnosis.  Many other people experience diagnostic delays like Angela.

During the study, views were gathered from professionals and over 230 people living with, or caring for, someone with young onset dementia making it the largest study of its kind.  500 sets of case notes were audited and the team talked to commissioners and service providers to understand more about what helped and hindered them in providing young onset dementia services.

The survey also looked at good practice and what needs services that provided good services met, as well as the barriers and facilitators to good practice in post-diagnostic support for younger people.

The Angela Project team has collated some of their key findings and recommendations to create a publication, Good Practice in Young Onset Dementia - Improving diagnosis and support for younger people with dementia.  You can download a copy here