Jordan Adams, who is part of the ‘FTD Brothers’ lost his mum to dementia when she was just 52, and he and his brother Cian have inherited the rare gene which means they will also develop symptoms in their 40s.
The heartbreaking illness takes away people’s memories, and is linked to Alzheimer’s, which traditionally impacts people over the age of 65, but there are rare cases where younger people can suffer from the disease.
Jordan found out about his diagnosis with the cruel disease back in 2018, two years on from his mother’s passing. Only one percent of dementia cases are caused by inherited fault genes but Jordan and his brother were both unfortunate enough to receive the devastating diagnosis.
Jordan and Cian ran the length of the UK to raise money last year (theftdbrothers/Instagram)
He said: “It’s cruel because I know exactly what is coming. I’ve watched every stage of that process of seeing my mum being stripped of everything that made her who she was and the effect that it had not only on her but the people around her.
“I’ve got a great opportunity, despite the sadness of my circumstances, to make a difference to change the lives of thousands of people in the future.”
Jordan is now an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Research UK and he recently discussed his diagnosis with award-winning actor and fellow ambassador Brian Cox in a recent film.
Jordan will develop dementia symptoms in his 40s (Instagram/@theftdbrothers)
Brian said: “I am full of admiration for Jordan. Not many people of his age would have the courage to accept their diagnosis the way he has. This has taken huge courage on his part and that is something one has to admire and have respect for.”
Brian, whose brother and brother-in-law died after being diagnosed with dementia, has teamed up with Jordan to support the Omaze Million Pound House Draw in Scotland, with money raised from the draw going towards Alzheimer’s Research UK and the charity’s ongoing search for a cure.
Jordan said: “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience sitting down with Brian and sharing my story with him, to support this fantastic campaign between Alzheimer’s Research UK and Omaze.
“Brian was very compassionate. As well as listening to my story, he also shared his own experience with dementia within his family, which just goes to show that anyone can be impacted by this devastating condition.”
He added: “Sharing my story to raise awareness and support dementia research has opened up some incredible opportunities for me, like this one with Omaze.
“The money raised from this partnership will do so much to help ensure other families won’t be devastated by dementia like my family has been.”
