Dementia in children is exceptionally rare. If a \u2018dementia\u2019 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>
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>
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\u2019s life.<\/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>
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