Video: Living and advocating with Huntington disease and young onset dementia
Tim has lived with Huntington disease and young onset dementia his whole life. First, it was as a young child whose mother had HD and young onset dementia. Later, it was as a young adult with symptoms himself. Part of living well for Tim today means being an advocate and making change.
More than 50 disease and conditions are associated with young onset dementia. Huntington disease (HD), which is hereditary, is one of them.
Tim knows these facts well. As he explains in this video, Tim has been living with Huntington disease and young onset dementia his whole life—first, as the young child of a mother who had HD, and later, as a young adult with HD symptoms himself.
In the years since his diagnosis at the age of 31, Tim has learned what helps him live well with Huntington disease and young onset dementia. This includes doing advocacy work with the Huntington Society of Canada, reducing other commitments, and seeing his neurologist regularly.
Find out more about the different ways HD and young onset dementia can appear—and about the vital importance of speaking out as an activist—in this video.
If you or someone you know has Huntington disease or young onset dementia, national service organizations are here for you.
The Alzheimer Society's national information and referral line at 1-855-705-4636 and info@alzheimer.ca can connect you with your local dementia experts quickly.
The Huntington Society of Canada runs a variety of supports and programs for people and families living with HD. Reach out at 1-800-998-7398 or info@huntingtonsociety.ca.