Youngest UK Dementia Patient Andre Yarham Dies Aged 24
Tragic news from Norfolk as 24-year-old Andre Yarham, believed to be the youngest dementia patient in the UK, has passed away.
Early-Onset Dementia Strikes Brutally
Andre, from Dereham, was diagnosed with early-onset frontotemporal dementia at just 22. His family first noticed alarming shifts in his speech, movement, and behaviour. A shocking MRI scan revealed his brain resembled that of a 70-year-old man.
He died on December 27 at Priscilla Bacon Lodge Hospice after a rapid and heartbreaking decline.
Rare Condition With Devastating Impact
Frontotemporal dementia is a rare form caused by a protein mutation, affecting roughly 5% of all dementia patients. In the UK, fewer than 0.1% are diagnosed before age 65.
Andre’s mother, Sam Fairburn, called the diagnosis “devastating” and revealed how quickly he lost speech and mobility in his final months.
“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 world,” she said.
Family Donates Brain to Fight Dementia
Sam praised her son’s “heart of gold” and confirmed the family donated Andre’s brain to medical research. They hope it will unlock answers to better understand and fight this cruel disease.
