OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to explore the available support and identify the unique needs of young and young adult carers of individuals with dementia. METHOD: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Ovid, along with Google Scholar for grey literature, were searched. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyse the findings of the included studies. The quality of the articles was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). RESULTS: Seven studies met the predefined inclusion criteria and were included in the narrative synthesis. Findings revealed that young and young adult carers often lack knowledge of available support services and face challenges navigating the healthcare system. Caregiving responsibilities were found to hinder educational and career aspirations, leading to social isolation and strained relationships. The support received from family, friends, and teachers was often inconsistent and inadequate. A significant finding was the lack of differentiation between young and young adult carers in the existing research, despite their distinct social care support needs. CONCLUSION: The limited research highlights a critical gap in the literature regarding the support and needs of young and young adult carers of people with dementia. The lack of distinction between these two groups, who receive different social care support, emphasises the need for further research to better understand their unique experiences. There is an urgent need for targeted education and support programmes that address the distinct developmental needs and challenges of this population, promoting their well-being and safeguarding their personal and educational aspirations.

Careum School of Health Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences Zürich Switzerland

Department of APE and Sports Medicine Charles University Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Prague Prague Czech Republic

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences The Open University Milton Keynes UK

Faculty of Wellbeing Education and Language Studies The Open University Milton Keynes UK

Health and Social Care Faculty of Wellbeing Education and Language Studies The Open University Milton Keynes UK

Institute for Biomedical Ethics Medical Faculty University of Basel Basel Switzerland

Neuropsychology Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Northamptonshire UK

Psychology and Counselling Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences The Open University Milton Keynes UK

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