Latest news with #dementiaawareness
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Top expert reveals shocking first sign of type of dementia that hits in your 30s - 'patients think it's normal'
If someone close to you has become a heavy drinker since they hit their thirties, check in with them—a top expert has warned that it might be a sign they have dementia. While dementia is most often associated with the elderly, it can affect people of all ages. One type in particular, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), is most often diagnosed in men and women aged between 45 and 65, but there have been confirmed cases of it in people decades younger. The first signs of FTD are often related to changes in behaviour; people can become rude or violent, struggle with their words or communication, or start to behave in impulsive or risky ways. But as these behaviours are often mistaken for another health condition, or simply written off as an unpleasant blip in someone's usually calm and collected demeanour, people can end up very, very unwell before they get the help they need. Paul Little, CEO of Vesper Bio, a biotech firm working to improve the lives of people diagnosed with FTD, said that a misdiagnosis can have serious repercussions. Speaking to the FT, he explained: 'There are patients as young as 29 that's not uncommon, who get frontotemporal dementia (FTD). 'Often times it's misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder or some form of midlife crisis, because in some cases, there's a behavioural component. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FT Partner Content (@ftpartnercontent) 'The patient may start drinking heavily, may get into trouble with the police and end up in the wrong form of help.' He added that there is no cure for FTD, and that tragically it is never just the person who is diagnosed who suffers—it has massive ramifications which ripple outwards, destroying the lives and dreams of everyone close to them. Mr Little continued: 'It's invariably fatal when you get the disease, it's catastrophic for families, because you will see changes in behaviour and changes in language that mean that the patient themselves is unable to work. 'It means that caregivers also have to give up jobs, and these are the most fruitful, best parts of life for earning money and building families.' Figures released by the Alzheimer's Society reveal that there are around 70,800 people in the UK living with early-onset, or young-onset, dementia, which is defined as when symptoms start before the age of 65. The causes of dementia in younger people are essentially the same as for older patients. In the case of Alzheimer's, proteins build up in the brain, forming plaques and tangles. With vascular dementia, this is caused by problems with the blood supply to the brain, and might be the result of heart disease. FTD is a rarer form of the condition, and affects 16,000 people in the UK. It leads to a loss of cells in the front and side of the brain which are the areas that control behaviour, hence why it might cause changes to how people interact with others, or care for themselves. Although it can progress slowly, survival time after an FTD diagnosis is between just two and 12 years. Concerns have been raised about a rise in cases of young-onset dementia in the UK. A study of GP practice records in England in 2022 revealed an alarming 69 per cent increase since 2014 (from 28,800 cases).
CTV News
30-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Canada Day Spirit Shines: London, Ont. couple inspiring tribute amid dementia battle
Belmont area couple create large tribute to Canada in front of their home ahead of Canada Day celebrations. A London, Ontario couple has created a large display for the nation's birthday amidst a personal battle with dementia. The patriotic efforts of Barbara Armstrong and Albert Bernhardt are appreciated by passersby on Westminster Drive, east of Highbury Avenue. This year's display is the largest ever. 'I think everybody, especially this year, should be celebrating being Canadian,' Barbara told CTV News London. The display is a reflection, not only of love for country but also of an actual love story. It began 25 years ago in Canada's north. Barbara was on a work contract in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, where she met Albert, and the two fell in love. 063025 Barbara Armstrong and Albert Bernhardt on their wedding day. After a decade in the north, they returned to Barbara's hometown of London. Life was good until Albert was diagnosed with dementia three years ago. 'I'm glad she's with me,' Albert told CTV News. For a time, Albert helped put up the displays, but then dementia took its grip. 'Every day, I lose a piece of what I have of him. It's awful', Barbara explained with emotion. That loss includes the annual display of national pride. Canada Day 2025 will be the couple's final display as Albert transitions into long-term care. 063025 This year's display by Barbara Armstrong and Albert Bernhardt is the largest ever to celebrate Canada Day in London. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) Yet, before Albert moves, Barbara said dementia has allowed him to experience the nation's 148th birthday daily. 'He sees it fresh every day, which is a beautiful thing.' 'I do like it, I mean, I was born Canadian,' said Albert, whose first home was in an Innu community on Victoria Island, N.W.T. 'We need more joy in the world,' affirmed Barbara. 'And if it happens by celebrating our great country, then so be it,' she said, as she turned to centre a Canadian flag prominently centred in their roadside display.
BBC News
06-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Young-onset dementia patients 'falling through gaps in care'
When someone develops dementia before the age of 65, it is known as young-onset dementia. Thousands of people in the UK have been diagnosed with the condition and each one will have specific care needs. To look at David Sincock beating his dad Ian at snooker, you wouldn't think he had any health 48-year-old, a former Home Office civil servant, was diagnosed with young-onset dementia in 2023. Today, he is largely sister, Dawn Sincock, says the symptoms of his condition emerged gradually."We noticed that David was maybe mixing up times and dates, and travelling was starting to become a problem whereas before he was very independent."We got David an appointment with the GP and went from there. It was quite a lengthy process - lots of tests - and eventually in 2023 he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia."David was initially looked after by his elderly parents at their home in Darlington, but in October he became a resident at The Manor at Eighton Lodge - a purpose-built unit in Gateshead for people with young-onset the eight-bed facility, he gets care targeted to his age Beckett, from Wellburn Care Homes, which runs the unit, says younger patients have particular needs compared with the elderly."They're much more active, especially David. He walks every single day and the levels of care are very, very different."[The Manor] is very much like a home. It's a much smaller unit and the kitchen facilities are all open and accessible, which you couldn't do in an elderly residential home." Dawn says her brother has made progress since his arrival."As soon as David came here we had reports that he'd started responding more and instead of giving a thumbs up or thumbs down, he was maybe communicating more and getting more enjoyment out of activities and still being able to do the physical activities that he needs."People diagnosed before the age of 65 are generally classified as having young-onset Research UK says 5% - about 70,000 - of the total number of dementia patients in the UK are classified as is unclear how David's condition will develop, and now it is uncertain where he will has been paying for his own care at The Manor and his house in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, is being with his savings now running out, Gateshead Council has not confirmed whether it will take over the cost of him staying parents both have ongoing illnesses and say they are unable to look after him at is 77 and has cancer. He says the uncertainty about his son's future is difficult."The stress is unbelievable because it's continuing," he says. "Going forward, I want David to have the best possible quality of life while he can in an environment that suits him."His sister is also concerned."It's just the constant worry for the family," she says. "Because we don't know if there's a future here and how David is going to be cared for." The North Yorkshire-based charity Dementia Forward says young-onset patients are falling through gaps in the care system across the charity's chief executive, Jill Quinn MBE, says there is "a vacuum" in terms of age-appropriate care for people."There's extremely poor data [on young-onset dementia patients]. For example, in North Yorkshire it was estimated there were 173 young dementia patients, but Dementia Forward is currently supporting 450."Councillor John Adams, cabinet member for adult social care at Gateshead Council, said "ensuring people get the best support to live as independently as possible" was the local authority's "top priority"."This is key to our Home First approach, which focuses on supporting people to remain in their own home and communities for as long as they can," he said in a statement."We know that for many, living independently within a supportive community and appropriate solutions, such as tech-enabled care, leads to the best health and wellbeing outcomes."We cannot provide details of the support that is being offered to Mr Sincock for confidentiality reasons, but we can confirm that following recent contact for support, the council is concluding the essential assessment and working towards agreeing a suitable outcome as soon as possible." If you have been affected by the issues in this report, there is help and advice available at BBC Action Line. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Young-onset dementia charity expands activities in Woking
A charity set up to help people with young-onset dementia is expanding its operation in People With Dementia organises activity for people affected by the condition under the age of organises activity-based workshops in Guildford and is planning pilot sessions in worker James Goodman said: "We were set up because there was a need. You hear dementia and you assume it affects older people." What are dementia and Alzheimer's?How does young-onset dementia affect people?'Groundbreaking' dementia trial starts in Surrey Mr Goodman told BBC Radio Surrey: "We're providing activity and social interaction for the person living with dementia, but we're also providing respite for their carers because, more often than not, carers are in full-time work when their partner's diagnosed."There's not as much opportunity for them for help," he said. "We've worked with people as young as in their 30s, so [dementia] is something that really doesn't discriminate." The charity runs gardening workshops, a choir, cookery classes and racket sport events, changing activities every six one of the service users, said the group had "become a community"."The variety of people and personalities is what makes it special," he said."The choir is the one where there's most people, about 40, maybe 50."There's no stigma, everyone's accepted by default," Ian said. "At the end of the day we're just human beings getting on with life as best we can."People under 65 who have a diagnosis of dementia can self-refer through the charity's website.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Barbara Windsor's widower defends romance with her EastEnders co-star as he admits he still ‘wakes in terror'
DAME Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell has spoken out to defend his relationship with her former EastEnders co-star Tanya Franks. Scott, 60, who was married to the Carry On icon for 20 years until her death from Alzheimer's disease in 2020, said he 'still wakes in terror' without her. But he insists Barbara would have given her blessing for his new romance with Tanya, 56. The couple went public with their relationship last year, having grown close while campaigning together for dementia awareness following Barbara's diagnosis. Tanya, best known for playing Rainie Cross in the BBC soap, worked with Barbara on EastEnders before her health began to decline. Speaking to Kate Thornton on her White Wine Question Time podcast, Scott admitted: 'I still wake in terror. I still have moments - this morning I was quite emotional - where I just miss her. "That doesn't change. I think it will be with me forever.' He added: 'I would like to believe she would be happy that someone was there by my side and that I wasn't on my own. She always used to say to me, 'I never want you to be on your own.'' Scott also revealed that despite public support, there had been some backlash to his relationship with Tanya - and he felt compelled to respond to those who criticised him for moving on. He said: 'There was a bit of, 'Oh he's moved on too fast.' And you just think, 'How dare you?' People don't know the pain. They don't know what the grief has been." Scott and Tanya initially bonded through their work with the Alzheimer's Society and were close friends for years before their relationship turned romantic. Barbara, who played the iconic Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders, was diagnosed in 2014 but kept the news private until 2018. Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell praises new partner Tanya Frank for supporting him as she describes how romance grew naturally She died in December 2020 aged 83, with Scott by her side. He has since become a prominent campaigner for dementia awareness and was awarded an MBE in 2022 for his efforts. Reflecting on his ongoing grief, Scott said: 'I don't think anyone ever gets over a loss of someone they love so deeply. "I think we find ways of carrying them with us, and that's what I try to do every day.' Scott and Tanya previously appeared together on This Morning to raise awareness of dementia and campaign for vital research. The recruitment consultant told host Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley: 'We forged an incredible friendship over the four years and something wonderful blossomed out of it... 'The exact opposite of what dementia is. I'm very fortunate that I have a partner that doesn't mind me speaking about my late wife.' Tanya joined Scott in fundraising after her step father Derek went through a similar thing. She said: 'I can do nothing but support him in talking about it. You often feel alone in it when you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's... 'The communication allowed the support system to grow. Barbara is as much about the legacy of Alzheimer's as it is me going through it with my step father. It is hundreds of thousands that we've raised from doing the three marathons.' Scott went on to reveal he would take part in another marathon – but there were certain conditions. He said: 'If for next year's marathon someone would like to give a million pounds, a big company or sponsor, I will do another marathon and shave my hair off as well, and that is the big one, shaving my hair off.' 4 4 4
