22-year-old Norwich man diagnosed with young-onset dementia

Andre Yarham, who lives with his family in Plumstead Road, is among just 0.1pc of the UK population to receive a form of dementia diagnosis under the age of 65.

His mum, Sam Fairbairn, said: “You hear of young onset dementia, you think that is someone as young as 40. 

"To be told that your 22-year-old son is suffering was a devastating blow.”

Sam has given up her job as a driver for Sanders Coaches to become a full-time carer for Andre after he was diagnosed in October, just months after being told he has autism.

Mrs Fairbairn, 47, used to work with adults with learning difficulties so noticed traits in her son’s behaviour.

Sam Fairbairn with sons, Tyler Yarham, and Andre Yarham (right), who has been diagnosed with early onset dementia at 22 (Image: Sam Fairbairn)

Following NHS consultations the family had money donated from a friend to go private and get the formal diagnosis of autism.

They noticed other changes as Andre's speech, body language and movement were very slow.

Following an MRI scan, the family were told that he had the brain of someone aged in their 60s or 70s.

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Andre, who has one brother, 21-year-old Tyler, previously headlined cars for Lotus in Hethel.

However, now his mum helps him to get dressed, to make meals and even to take a bath, due to his memory problems.

Sam Fairbairn with husband, Alastair Fairbairn (left), and son Andre Yarham, who has been diagnosed with early onset dementia at 22 (Image: Sam Fairbairn)

Sam added: "I will admit it has been extremely tough on us all.

"There are not enough words to describe how we feel.” 

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Andre is currently under the care of Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where he has undergone genome testing, to find what could have caused his condition.

Amid the difficulties, his family have turned to fundraising to tick off several dreams in the form of a bucket list, while Andre can still remember and enjoy them.

Andre Yarham, who has been diagnosed with early onset dementia at 22 (Image: Sam Fairbairn)

These include a trip to Harry Potter Studios in Watford and getting a ticket to All Elite Wrestling when it comes to the UK.

“He loves his days out,” added Sam.

“We want him to enjoy these days and for us as a family to create memories together.”

Almost £500 has already been donated towards a target of £1,000 to the family's GoFundMe page.

Young-onset dementia

The Alzheimer’s Society says people under the age of 65 are known as having young-onset dementia. It says this is not for a biological reason, but is based on 65 being the usual retirement age.

Dementia UK commented on the issue in September 2022 after a study by researchers from the Neurology and Dementia Intelligence Team at the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, which analysed datasets from GP practice records in England.

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A spokesman said: "New figures show a ‘hidden population’ of 70,800 people in the UK who are currently living with young-onset dementia - a rise of 28,800 (69pc) since 2014."

By using an alternative method of identifying cases, they found that the estimated number of people with young-onset dementia (where symptom onset occurs under the age of 65), represented an estimated 7.5pc of all those living with a dementia diagnosis, which is estimated at 944,000 people in the UK.

The findings, published in the Journal of Dementia Care, were used by Dementia UK to arrive at the ‘hidden population’ of 70,800.