Andre Yarham, the youngest known dementia patient in the United Kingdom, has died at just 24 years old. His passing came less than two years after doctors diagnosed him with a rare and aggressive form of the disease. Medical professionals informed his family that his brain showed degeneration comparable to that of a 70-year-old, despite his youth.
A Shocking Diagnosis at a Young Age
According to reports, Yarham received a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) one month before his 23rd birthday. He lived in Dereham, Norfolk. This condition results from a protein mutation and typically affects individuals between 45 and 65 years old. In very rare instances, it strikes much younger patients.
Frontotemporal dementia differs from Alzheimer's disease. While Alzheimer's usually impacts memory first, FTD often presents through noticeable changes in personality and behavior. The condition affects approximately one in thirty people with dementia across the UK. It remains exceptionally rare among young adults.
Early Signs and Rapid Decline
Yarham's family first observed changes in his behavior during 2022. He began moving and speaking more slowly. He became increasingly forgetful. At times, he appeared blank or unresponsive during conversations.
An MRI scan the following year confirmed the extensive damage to his brain. A consultant later told the family that the scan revealed his brain resembled that of someone decades older. Fewer than 0.1 percent of people in the UK receive a dementia diagnosis before age 65. This placed Yarham among a vanishingly small group of patients.
After the diagnosis, his condition deteriorated quickly. His mother, Sam, became his full-time carer. She helped him eat, dress, and bathe as his speech faded and his mobility declined.
"Andre got his official diagnosis just before his 23rd birthday," she said. "In that time his speech went totally. He was just making noises. The last six months was when we started to see a very rapid decline."
By late summer, he struggled to feed himself or hold a cup. He had become increasingly unsteady. The family decided to move him into a nursing home in September. Within weeks, he required a wheelchair and hoist support.
A Life Cut Short
Before his illness, Andre Yarham lived what his family described as a typical young life. He played rugby and football at school. He followed wrestling closely. He spent time gaming with friends on titles like FIFA and Call of Duty.
He also worked briefly at Lotus Cars in Norwich, replacing car headliners. He left after six months because he struggled to get through the working day. He could not explain why something felt wrong.
In December, doctors admitted him to hospital with an infection. His mother later described this as the point where his decline accelerated sharply. Her son became less aware of his surroundings.
After three weeks in hospital, medical staff moved him to Priscilla Bacon Lodge Hospice. There, he received end-of-life care. He died on December 27.
A Legacy of Hope Through Research
Following his death, the family donated his brain to medical research. They hope it can help others facing similar battles.
"We made the decision to donate Andre's brain to medical research," his mother said. "If in the future, if Andre has been able to help just one more family have a precious few more years with a loved one, that would mean the absolute world."
This tragic case has drawn renewed attention to the difficulty of recognizing dementia in younger patients. It also highlights the speed with which rare forms like frontotemporal dementia can progress.
Yarham's family said the diagnosis and its aftermath devastated them all. This includes his father Alastair and his brother Tyler. They hope greater awareness may encourage others to seek help earlier.
Urging Vigilance and Early Action
At the end of her son's life, Sam urged families not to dismiss early warning signs because of age.
"If people do have concerns about loved ones and their memories, there are tests available and go to your GP," she said. She added thanks to those who supported the family throughout her son's illness.
Recognizing the Symptoms
According to NHS England, early symptoms of dementia can include:
- Emotional changes
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and places
Symptoms specific to frontotemporal dementia, according to the NHS, often involve:
- Personality and behavior changes, such as acting inappropriately or impulsively
- Appearing selfish or unsympathetic
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Overeating, or loss of motivation
- Language problems, including speaking slowly or using words incorrectly
- Problems with mental abilities, like getting distracted easily or struggling with planning
