A hospital trust is investigating after a patient was incorrectly diagnosed and treated for Alzheimer's disease for seven years. Alex Preston, from Anstey, Leicestershire, was 54 at the time of his diagnosis and said it completely destroyed his life, leaving him feeling suicidal.
Mr Preston, now 62, began experiencing concentration problems at work in 2014. He was referred to the Bradgate Mental Health Unit, where tests led to an Alzheimer's diagnosis. He said the diagnosis upended all the plans he and his wife Susan had made. For seven years, he believed he had the disease and even participated in fundraising for Alzheimer's charities.
In 2019, his wife Susan died from cancer. Mr Preston said doctors would not discuss her death with him due to his condition. However, during the pandemic, he heard less from the hospital and began to live without the constant reinforcement of the false diagnosis. Friends commented on how well he seemed, which he initially dismissed as politeness.
A nurse later suggested he see a consultant again. Further tests revealed the original diagnosis was incorrect. Mr Preston said the news was bittersweet, as his wife was not alive to share it. Since stopping the medication, he feels like a completely different person and is seeking answers.
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) said it is investigating Mr Preston's complaint and conducting an independent review with a clinical witness from outside the trust. A spokesperson stated that it would be inappropriate to comment further until the review is concluded and shared with Mr Preston.
