Archive · 15 Jan 2026
24-Year-Old Dementia Patient's Brain Donation Aids Research
A very young man named Andre Yarham from England had a rare and serious brain disease called frontotemporal dementia.
Normally, dementia affects older people, but Andre got it when he was just 22 years old.
His brain looked like it was much older than his actual age.
Over time, he lost his ability to speak, take care of himself, and behave appropriately.
Sadly, he passed away at the age of 24.
His family decided to donate his brain to scientists so they could study it and learn more about this disease.
This donation is very important because it can help scientists understand why some people get dementia so young and how to possibly treat or prevent it in the future.
Andre's story shows that dementia can happen to anyone, not just older people, and highlights the importance of brain research.
Andre Yarham, diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at 22, passed away at 24.
His brain resembled that of a 70-year-old due to the disease.
Symptoms included forgetfulness, loss of speech, and inability to care for himself.
Frontotemporal dementia affects personality, behavior, and language.
His family donated his brain to research to help understand and potentially treat early-onset dementia.
- Who
- Andre Yarham, a 24-year-old man from Norfolk, England
- What
- Passed away from frontotemporal dementia and donated his brain for research
- When
- Diagnosed at 22, passed away at 24
- Where
- Norfolk, England
- Why
- To help uncover biological and genetic aspects of early-onset dementia
- Patient Name
- Andre Yarham
- Age at Diagnosis
- 22 years old
- Age at Death
- 24 years old
- Dementia Type
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Brain Donation
- Yes, for research
- Brain Condition
- Resembled a 70-year-old's brain
- Symptoms
- Forgetfulness, loss of speech, inability to care for himself, inappropriate behavior
- Dementia Prevalence
- Frontotemporal dementia accounts for about 1 in 20 cases