Britain’s Youngest Dementia Patient Andre Dies at 24, Leaves Legacy for Research
Andre Yarham, believed to be Britain’s youngest dementia patient, has passed away at the age of 24 after a courageous battle with a rare neurological disease. Andre died on December 27, 2025, in a hospice following complications from an infection. He lived in Dereham, Norfolk, and was surrounded by his family in his final days.
In a deeply moving decision, Andre’s family chose to donate his brain to scientific research, hoping it will contribute to a better understanding of dementia and help future patients. His mother, Samantha Fairbairn, described the donation as Andre’s final act of kindness in the fight against what she called a “cruel and unforgiving disease.”
Early Signs That Changed Everything
Andre’s condition first came to light when he was just 22 years old. His mother noticed unusual changes in his behaviour and memory—subtle at first, but clearly out of character. Concerned, the family sought medical advice. Initial examinations led doctors to order brain scans, which revealed abnormal shrinkage far beyond what would be expected for someone his age.
He was later referred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where specialists diagnosed him with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), an extremely rare condition in young adults.
Frontotemporal Dementia
FTD typically affects people between the ages of 45 and 65, making Andre’s case exceptionally rare. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which usually begins with memory loss, FTD often first appears through changes in personality, behaviour, and communication.
Medical scans showed that Andre’s brain resembled that of a 70-year-old, both in structure and function. As the disease progressed, his condition worsened rapidly. About a month before his death, Andre lost the ability to speak and could only communicate through sounds.
Courage Until the Very End
Despite the devastating impact of the illness, Andre’s family says his true self never disappeared. His mother recalls that he retained his sense of humour, warmth, and infectious smile until the very end. His story, widely reported by BBC, has drawn attention to the need for greater awareness and research into rare forms of dementia.
Andre Yarham’s life, though tragically short, may help change the future of dementia research—ensuring that others may one day have better answers, earlier diagnoses, and hope.
