What is frontotemporal dementia (FTD)?

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a rare type of dementia that affects people younger than Alzheimer's disease, typically beginning between the ages of 45 and 65, and it tends to affect behavior and language first.

Can dementia affect young people?

Yes, as in Andre's case, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can affect individuals at a much younger age, with his diagnosis occurring at 23.

What happened after Andre's FTD diagnosis?

After Andre was diagnosed with FTD in June 2024, his condition continued to decline rapidly until his death in December 2025 at age 24.

Home / Health / Devastating Early-Onset Dementia Claims 24-Year-Old

Devastating Early-Onset Dementia Claims 24-Year-Old

13 Feb

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Summary

Andre was diagnosed with rare frontotemporal dementia at 23.
Doctors initially suspected autism due to his behavioral changes.
His mother donated his brain to research to help other families.

Devastating Early-Onset Dementia Claims 24-Year-Old

Andre Fairbairn received a devastating diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) at the age of 23. This rare form of dementia, often associated with genetic mutations, typically affects individuals much older. Andre's mother, Sam, noticed significant behavioral changes in her son over two years, initially suspecting autism.

His condition deteriorated rapidly, and by June 2024, Andre was too ill to comprehend his diagnosis. Tragically, he passed away in December 2025 at just 24 years old. Sam described the experience as surreal, struggling with the shock and grief of losing her son so young.

Before his death, Andre's brain was donated to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for research. Sam hopes this donation will help other families gain extra time with their loved ones. FTD is believed to affect around 15,000 people in England, with a significant percentage being genetic.

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