Latest news with #dementia
BBC News
4 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
'Mum's young-onset dementia is 'heartbreaking' says Bristol woman
The daughter of a 58-year-old woman diagnosed with young-onset dementia is sharing her experience to help raise awareness of the Britton, 29, from Bristol, said she knew the symptoms her mum, Maria Britton, was showing in 2023 seemed serious but after initially being put down to the menopause it took months of "pushing" to discover the true Britton, who works as a cabin manager for EasyJet, said in under two years she had gone from being her mum's daughter to her carer which was "heartbreaking".A spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Society said dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK and one in three people will develop dementia in their lifetime. Dementia is most common in people over the age of 65, but about 70,800 people in the UK are living with young-onset dementia, typically diagnosed before the age of 65, according to the Alzheimer's Britton said she wanted to raise awareness as "so many" people talk about cancer, but few realise the likelihood of developing dementia. Less than two years ago, Ms Britton, her mum, and her brother Harry were looking forward to the "holiday of a lifetime" in Disneyland, Florida."My brother had generously paid for my mum, who had always wanted to go, but just before we went things didn't seem right with her," she said."She'd become withdrawn and quiet and went from being so excited, to seeming like she couldn't care less, and lost her normal mannerisms."I was constantly asking her 'are you okay?'. I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what." 'Really quiet' After they returned home, Ms Britton said her mum, who worked in accounts, admitted she had been making mistakes at work, but she did not know encouraged her to visit a doctor and Maria was told she was experiencing symptoms of the menopause and put on was between September and December 2023, during which time Maria's boss suggested she take time off work to get better."By January she'd become really quiet and distanced herself, like she didn't really want to talk," said Ms Britton."It was really, really strange and not like her, because she was so chatty before, you could never get her to be quiet."Ms Britton pushed for another GP appointment and her mum was referred for a CT scan but no abnormalities were highlighted so she was referred to a brain clinic. Maria resigned from her job, Ms Britton said, adding: "Her speech deteriorated, she would stutter a lot, and she gradually became unable to put sentences together."She was referred to the Dementia Wellbeing Service who visited within the month."That was around the end of August and they did a really thorough investigation, and by this time, mum's speech was worse along with the motor skills of her hands," Ms Britton said."The dementia clinic came back and said mum has a dementia and they believed it to be the behavioural variant - frontotemporal dementia." Having frontotemporal dementia means her mum still knows who everyone is but it has impacted her speech and personality."Mum can only say yes or no now, and her processing's so bad she can't do anything for herself except walk around. In every aspect of her life she needs help," Ms Britton visit three times a day but Ms Britton prepares all her mum's meals, as well as cleaning, shopping and helping her shower. "I change her bedding. I do her laundry. I take care of her finances. I take her to all her appointments. So anything a human needs, especially someone who does have an illness, I do for her." 'Quite scary' Ms Britton said: "At times it is overwhelming and crazy. Twenty months ago she was working, she seemed herself, and now, I'm like her parent, you know the roles are reversed significantly."Now she loves Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol… she loves walking around with her teddy bear."Some days I think – and it sounds selfish – but I just wish I didn't have to be this carer role anymore, because it takes so much away from me and my mum, too."But I never want to see mum sad, so everything I do is for her."Ms Britton and her brother Harry have learned the dementia her mum has is hereditary, so they her are in the process of being referred to a genetics clinic."We can be tested if we want to be. It's quite scary but we're just trying to get on with everything, maintain our lives and be as happy as we can be." Ms Britton wants to raise awareness of the condition and recently joined more than 1,000 people for a 26-mile (41.8km) fundraising walk in the Lake District with her brother Harry and partner than £600,000 was raised for the Alzheimer's Society, with the charity being fundamental to helping her cope, she said."They supported me and my family through the diagnosis and they're there at the end of the phone whenever you need them", she Britton said people do not realise how quickly dementia can deteriorate and advised anyone else going through something similar to "trust your instinct"."I knew immediately on that holiday there was so much more to the quietness and her being withdrawn. I even Googled early-onset dementia when I was away and everyone thought I was being silly."With something like this, the earlier you can - not catch it, because obviously it's not fixable - but the earlier you can recognise signs the easier it is for things to be put in place quicker."
CTV News
7 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Sobering news regarding health risks faced by the LGBTQ2S+ community revealed
Sobering news regarding health risks faced by the LGBTQ2S+ community revealed As Toronto gets set to celebrate Pride weekend some sobering news about the health risks faced by the LGBTQ2S+ community, particularly regarding dementia is revealed. Health reporter Pauline Chan has the details.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Suzanne Ruth Klammer Suzanne Ruth Klammer of Albuquerque,
Jun. 27—Suzanne Ruth Klammer Suzanne Ruth Klammer of Albuquerque, New Mexico passed away on June 18, 2025 after a lengthy battle with dementia. Suzanne was born in Garfield, New Jersey to Ernest and Frances Samona on July 11, 1944. She graduated from Garfield High School and Patterson State Teaching College. In 1973 she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico with her family. She taught Special Education for Albuquerque Public Schools at Inez Elementary, McCollum Elementary and for Homebound Services. Suzanne loved playing tennis, card games, quilting, and traveling with her companion, Peter Koury. Suzanne is survived by her children Eric E. Klammer (Mark Gillespie), Kimberly Moore (Will), her sister Elaine Flynn (Bill), grandchildren Everett and Maggie Moore, and nephews John and Daniel Flynn. A gathering will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Daniels Family Funeral home, 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE at 1 pm.
CTV News
17 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
‘Woven with love,' 70-year-old wedding dress sparks memories for elderly woman living with dementia
One of the lovely community members, a radiant 93-year-old living with dementia, brought in her wedding dress to the Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce in Owen Sound, Ont., from 69 years ago, and it looks like it was made yesterday. (Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce) Last week in Owen Sound, a single piece of fabric managed to silence a room full of people and open a floodgate of beautiful memories. It wasn't just any fabric. It was a wedding dress, and not just any dress, it was a white, hand-crocheted garment made nearly 70-years-ago by a loving sister for a bride to be. Today, that divine bride is 93-years-old and living with dementia. According to the Alzheimer's Society, dementia doesn't just refer to one specific disease. Rather, it's an overall term for a set of symptoms that are caused by disorders targeting the brain. Woman One of the lovely community members, a radiant 93-year-old living with dementia, brought in her wedding dress to the Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce in Owen Sound, Ont, from 69 years ago, and it looks like it was made yesterday. (Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce) When the woman walked into the Active Living group holding the gown the entire room was captivated by all of its shimmering glory. Perfectly preserved and delicate, the dress looked nearly identical to how it did decades ago. The intricate lacework crafted entirely by hand, 'You'll see the stunning detail and love woven into every stitch,' shared a staff member from Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce. Members even adding that the dress looked like it was made yesterday. And just like that, memories sparked. Staff said that one gentleman in the room even turned to his wife and, overcome by the reminiscent moment, asked if they could get married all over again. Woman One of the lovely community members, a radiant 93-year-old living with dementia, brought in her wedding dress to the Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce in Owen Sound, Ont, from 69 years ago, and it looks like it was made yesterday. (Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce) The Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce is a local non-profit charity dedicated to supporting people living with alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia across the region. Through different education, programs, and a strong network of services, they work towards raising awareness, and offering access to vital local programs, education, and services. Staff say, in that special moment of reflection, they were reminded of just how powerful stories can be. Each individual in that room has a life filled with years of history.
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
How plaque and gum disease can lead to dementia: As doctors unveil startling research, experts reveal ultimate guide to the brushes, floss and toothpaste that really work to keep you healthy
If eyes are the window to the soul, then the mouth is a portal to the mind, according to the British Dental Association. 'There's emerging evidence that poor oral health – plaque formation, gum disease and tooth loss – is a risk factor for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease,' says Eddie Crouch, the association's chair. A slew of recent research suggests that what happens in your mouth can have wider health implications. Several large studies have discovered links between periodontitis (that's chronic gum disease to you and me) and an increased risk of cognitive decline.
