A 24-year-old man from Norfolk, who was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia in his early twenties, has made the profound decision to donate his brain to science following his death over the Christmas period.
A rapid and cruel decline
Andre Yarham from Dereham was just 22 years old when he received a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia in November 2022. His mother, Samantha Fairbairn, first became concerned after noticing subtle changes in his behaviour, including unusual forgetfulness.
The condition progressed with devastating speed. By September of last year, Andre's needs were such that he required admission to a care facility. Tragically, he lost his ability to speak a month before he passed away on 27 December.
A final gift for future generations
Before his death, Andre made the choice to leave his brain to medical researchers at the renowned Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. His hope was that by studying his tissue, scientists could advance understanding and work towards preventing other families from enduring similar suffering.
His mother Sam shared that despite the ravages of the disease, Andre retained his core personality 'to the very end'. She is now championing awareness of young onset dementia, a condition often mistakenly associated only with the elderly.
Dementia does not discriminate by age
Ms Fairbairn is using her family's heartbreaking experience to send a powerful public health message. She describes dementia as a 'cruel disease' with no current cure and emphasises that it can affect individuals of any age.
Andre Yarham's extraordinary posthumous donation stands as a legacy of his hope for a future where dementia can be effectively treated or even prevented. His case underscores the urgent need for continued research into all forms of this complex condition.
