The death of Andre Yarham, believed to be the UK's youngest dementia patient, has prompted a warning from Alzheimer's Society about unusual symptoms in younger people. Yarham, from Norfolk, died in December at age 24, two years after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Simon Wheeler, Senior Knowledge Officer at Alzheimer's Society, said younger people often develop symptoms not immediately associated with dementia, such as changes in behaviour, personality, language, or vision. These can be mistaken for stress, depression, or relationship issues.
Nearly 80,000 people in the UK live with young-onset dementia, defined as symptoms beginning before age 65. FTD, a rarer type, typically affects people under 65 and can cause problems with thinking, language, mood, and behaviour, unlike Alzheimer's where recent memory is often affected.
Wheeler advised using the Alzheimer's Society symptom checklist to start a conversation with a GP if concerned. The charity's Dementia Support Line is available at 0333 150 3456.
