Early Alzheimer's: A Young Family's Fight

John Green, from Surrey, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease in 2018 at the age of 56. His wife, Janet, noted that early signs like forgetting appointments and struggling at work were initially overlooked. The diagnosis in 2018 marked the beginning of a challenging journey, as the progressive illness affected his cognitive functions and behaviour.

At the time of his diagnosis, Mr. Green's youngest daughter, Evie, was 14. She began sharing caregiving responsibilities with her mother, a role that forced her to mature rapidly. Evie described experiencing anger and frustration as her father's condition worsened, leading to moments of avoidance.

By 2025, the family made the difficult decision to move Mr. Green into a care home due to the increasing difficulty of providing care at home. This transition was emotionally taxing for both Janet and Evie, who felt they were losing him in stages. The family found significant support through the charity Younger People with Dementia (YPWD), which offered guidance and a sense of community.

YWPD provided activities for John, including a walking group and a choir, where he particularly enjoyed dancing. Evie also benefited from young carer support groups. Despite the ongoing challenges and anxieties about the future, Janet emphasized that love, kindness, and laughter have been their guiding forces. As of 2026, the family continues to focus on creating memories, though Evie is coming to terms with the potential absence of her father at future life events like her wedding.