Early warning signs
Andre Yarham’s family noticed he moved and spoke slower than usual.
In 2022, he also became forgetful, his mum Sam said.
Diagnosis before 23
However, a month before his 23rd birthday, doctors diagnosed him.
The Norfolk man had frontotemporal dementia due to a protein mutation.
It is a rare form and affects around one in 20 dementia patients.
Brain of a 70-year-old
Meanwhile, a consultant told Sam an MRI showed something stark.
The scan showed her son had the brain of a 70-year-old.
Then, Sam became his carer and helped with daily tasks.
Rapid decline and death
Later, Sam said his speech “went totally” and he made noises.
She said the last six months brought a very rapid decline.
In early September, he moved into a nursing home, she said.
Within a month, he was in a wheelchair and needed hoisting.
Now, Andre died late last year on 27 December after an infection.
He spent three weeks in hospital, then moved to Priscilla Bacon Lodge Hospice.
Donation and message
Still, Sam said Andre had a “heart of gold”.
She said:
“We made the decision to donate Andre’s brain to medical research. 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.”
Finally, she urged anyone with concerns to see their GP.