A 24-year-old man has died from a rare form of dementia, his family has confirmed, after an MRI scan shockingly revealed his brain resembled that of a 70-year-old.
From Autism Diagnosis to a Devastating Reality
Andre Yarham was initially told he had autism just before his 23rd birthday. However, his mother, Sam Fairbairn, grew sceptical as she observed alarming changes in his behaviour.
He began talking less, lost interest in his passions, and no longer wanted to go to his job at the sports car manufacturer Lotus. Concerned, Sam sought a specialist opinion, which led to an MRI scan.
The scan delivered a devastating diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia. The images showed his brain had aged decades beyond his years, comparable to that of a septuagenarian.
A Courageous Battle and a Lasting Legacy
The progressive disorder eventually left Andre mute. His mother gave up work to become his full-time carer before he later moved to The Maltings care home in Fakenham, Norfolk.
Staff at the home, which supports adults with learning difficulties, paid tribute to his "warmth, energy, wit and character." He even became the face of the parent company FitzRoy's 2024 Christmas campaign.
Tragically, his condition worsened last month, and he was placed on end-of-life care. Andre died at Priscilla Bacon Lodge hospice in Norwich on December 27.
A Final Gift to Science
In a move to help others, Andre's family has donated his brain to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for vital research into the rare condition.
"If in the future it helps one family, then that would mean the absolute world," his mother Sam said.
Toby Sutherland, deputy manager at The Maltings, said: "Our dear Andre lost his courageous battle with dementia just after Christmas... Andre is such an energy, and his wit, humour and character are infectious."
Andre's funeral is scheduled for January 27 at Breckland Crematorium, with over 100 cars and motorbikes expected to attend in honour of the young man.
