Although dementia is typically associated with elderly people, there are warning signs of the disease that can strike people of a younger age.

       Dementia can begin before the age of 65, which is known as early onset. But it may actually start even earlier and worsen if the symptoms are not recognized. In the UK, over 70,800 people are living with young-onset dementia.

       There have been rare cases reported of individuals as young as 30 being affected by dementia. According to data by Alzheimer's Research UK, the number of individuals with dementia is projected to rise from around 57 million in 2019 to 153 million by 2050.

       Dementia is a condition that can make it difficult for individuals to perform daily tasks independently due to memory and cognitive issues.

       Dementia is not a standalone disease, but a combination of symptoms stemming from brain damage due to various illnesses. Alzheimer's disease being the most prevalent cause.

       Don't miss...

       20p tablet could cut your risk of dementia, depression and heart disease [LATEST]

       Drinking this much water a day can help you lose weight, dietitian says [LATEST]

       The charity says: "The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are very complex, but one key part is the build-up of two substances inside the brain called amyloid and tau. When conditions in the brain aren’t right, these clump up and form tiny structures called plaques and tangles. These make it harder for the brain to work properly."

       There are important differences in how dementia affects younger people. These include the following:

       It's not very common for health professionals to have a lot of experience in recognizing the symptoms of dementia in younger people, as it's a relatively rare condition.

       It can be challenging to identify early symptoms as they may not be immediately obvious. They could easily be attributed to other factors like stress, relationship issues, work challenges, or even menopause.

       Don't miss...

       Aldi's new ￡1.99 drink improves cholesterol, blood sugar and gut health [LATEST]

       Fall asleep fast and feel well rested with neuroscientist's five life tips [LATEST]

       For most people with early-onset Alzheimer disease, the symptoms closely mirror those of other forms of Alzheimer disease. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, early symptoms can include:

       Later symptoms could be:

       Studies have also shown a connection between inflammation in your 20s and 30s and the beginning of cognitive decline in middle age.

       Experts looked into increased levels of a substance called C-reactive protein (CRP) in the bloodstream, as reported by the American Academy of Neurology. CRP is created when there is inflammation. Signs of inflammation consist of joint pain, stiffness, digestive issues, and tiredness.

       If you're a young person trying to prevent the disease, there are ways to increase your odds of staying healthy. The Alzheimer's Society recommends six daily steps to improve your overall well-being: exercising, eating healthily, avoid smoking, drink less alcohol and stay mentally and socially active.