UK’s youngest dementia patient dies at 24 ‘with the brain of a 70-year-old’

UK’s Youngest Dementia Patient Dies at 24

Andre Yarham, a young man from Dereham, Norfolk, has tragically passed away at the age of 24, marking one of the rarest and most devastating cases of early-onset dementia in the United Kingdom.

Diagnosed at just 22 with frontotemporal dementia, a rare and aggressive condition caused by a protein mutation, Andre’s illness progressed with alarming speed. Medical examinations revealed that his brain resembled that of a 70-year-old, a shocking discovery made shortly before his 23rd birthday.

Andre’s family first noticed subtle but troubling changes in his movement, speech, and awareness, which prompted medical investigations. As his condition worsened, he lost his ability to speak, struggled with mobility, and required full-time care. In the final weeks of his life, he was transferred to Priscilla Bacon Lodge Hospice, where he died peacefully on December 27, just days after Christmas.

His mother, Sam Fairburn, paid tribute to her son, describing him as having “a heart of gold.” In a deeply moving gesture, the family decided to donate Andre’s brain to medical research, hoping that his case might help scientists better understand dementia and provide future families with more time with their loved ones.

Sam emphasized the lack of awareness surrounding the disease, noting that dementia manifests in different forms, with varying symptoms and behaviours.

Andre’s story is particularly poignant because dementia is overwhelmingly associated with older age, yet his diagnosis places him among the very small percentage of patients in the UK who develop the condition before 65.

Andre’s death underscores the cruel unpredictability of dementia and highlights the importance of early medical consultation when concerning changes are observed. His family has urged the public to seek medical advice promptly, stressing that early testing can make a difference.

Beyond his illness, Andre was remembered as a vibrant young man with passions for wrestling, football, and video games. He had worked at luxury car manufacturer Lotus in Norwich before his health forced him to leave. His life, though cut short, has left a legacy of awareness and hope for future research into dementia.

Andre Yarham’s passing is not only a personal tragedy for his family but also a stark reminder of the need for greater understanding, research, and support for those affected by dementia at any age.