UK’s ‘youngest dementia patient’ dies aged just 24 ‘with the brain of a 70-year-old’ after alarming first sign

Andre’s mum said he lost awareness that his family were even there

THE UK’s youngest dementia patient who had the brain of a 70-year-old despite being aged just 24 has died.

Andre Yarham was diagnosed at 22 after his family noticed he was moving and speaking slowly and he passed away on December 27 in a hospice.

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Andre Yarham was the ‘UK’s youngest dementia patient’ at age 24Credit: Cover Images

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Andre passed away in a hospice just days after ChristmasCredit: Cover Images
Andre, from Dereham in Norfolk, had a rare form of the disease called frontotemporal dementia, caused by a protein mutation it only effects one in 20 people with a dementia diagnosis.

In a heartfelt tribute, Andre’s mum Sam Fairburn said her son had a “heart of gold”.

The 49-year-old added that Andre donated his brain to science in order to help battle the “cruel” disease.

What are the symptoms of early-onset dementia?

YOUNG-onset dementia is when the brain robbing disease affects people before the age of 65.

Symptoms of young onset dementia are similar to those of late onset dementia.

For young-onset frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in particular – which affects the front and sides of the brain – symptoms include:

If you are concerned about your memory, thinking, or any of the above symptoms, speak to your doctor.

Dementia mostly affects people over 65, but frontotemporal dementia tends to start at a younger age.

Most cases are diagnosed in people aged 45-65, although it can also affect younger or older people.

Sources: Alzheimer’s Research UK, NHS

She continued: “There’s not enough awareness of how cruel this disease can be. There are different types of dementia, different symptoms and different behaviours.

“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.”

Sam Fairbain, Andre’s mum, first noticed symptoms in 2022.

Andre grew forgetful and sometimes he had a blank look on his face or would completely ignore someone speaking to him.

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Diagnosis of early-onset dementia came a year later following an MRI scan that showed Andre’s brain resembled that of a 70-year-old, only a month before his 23rd birthday.

Sam became a full-time carer for her son, helping to bathe him, pick out clothes and make his food and drink.

The tragic news put Andre in 0.1 per cent of the UK population who are diagnosed with a form of dementia before they turn 65.

The mum said the diagnosis was “devastating” and the process had been tough for the whole family especially in the final months when Andre had a rapid decline.

In the final six months, the young man eventually lost his speech and was left only able to make noises.

She added: “He was moving less and less. Andre was struggling to feed himself, pick up a cup, becoming very unsteady.

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Andre was diagnosed with the rare form of dementia just before he turned 23Credit: Cover Images

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Sam Fairburn said her son had a ‘heart of gold’Credit: Cover Images
“We had to make the hard decision to move him into a nursing home which he went into at the beginning of the September.

“He walked into his room which we’d all decorated for him. Within a month he was in a wheelchair and had to be hoisted.”

Andre was a big fan of wrestling and had grown up with plenty of hobbies including rugby, football and playing Xbox games with his friends.

He worked for luxury car manufacturers Lotus in Norwich replacing car headliners. He left after just six months as he found it a struggle to get through the day and he couldn’t explain what was wrong.

Sam has another son Tyler, 23, and is married to Alistair, 62.

In December last year, Andre was hospitalised with an infection.

This was the beginning of his swift deterioration said Sam and he slowly lost awareness of his family being there.

“Andre stopped eating and drinking and we were then told he was on end of life”, she said.

The 24-year-old was then relocated to Priscilla Bacon Lodge Hospice after a three week stay in the hospital.

Andre was in the hospice for just over a week before he passed away on December 27.

His family donated Andre’s brain to science and hope it can aid future research.

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Sam said: “If people do have concerns about loved ones and their memories, there are tests available and go to your GP.

“We want to thank everyone who has shown us love and support with Andre’s journey.”

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In the final six months, Andre lost the ability to speakCredit: Cover Images

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Andre’s family have donated his brain to science and hope this will aid future researchCredit: Cover Images