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<p>Dementia in children is exceptionally rare. If a ‘dementia’ developed during childhood,
it is likely to be an inherited disease which would have implications for whether
a clear diagnosis of dementia could be made.</p><p>Childhood dementia stems from several
different groups of complex neurological diseases such as Niemann-Pick disease type-C,
Batten disease and Mucopolysaccharide diseases. In the case of Batten disease for
example, it is estimated to affect 25-40 children in England.</p><p>In September 2019,
NHS England announced National Health Service funding for the treatment of Batten
disease with access to a drug called Cerliponase alfa known to slow down onset and
extend the child’s life.</p><p>We continue to implement the 2013 UK Strategy for Rare
Diseases which contains 51 high level commitments to improve the lives of those with
a rare disease or condition.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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