Is childhood dementia fatal?

Yes, childhood dementia is fatal. It’s caused by over 100 progressive, fatal genetic conditions. Over months, years or decades, these conditions damage children’s brains and nervous systems more and more, causing children to progressively lose skills they may have already developed like the ability to talk, walk and play. Over time, their brains and bodies lose the ability to keep the body functioning properly and, eventually, to keep the body alive.

While cures and treatments for the conditions that cause dementia are severely under-researched, there are promising clinical trials underway and potential treatments emerging for some childhood dementia disorders. With more research, there is great potential to improve survival rates and quality of life for children.