Wife Reveals Missed Early-Onset Alzheimer's Signs in Husband's Diagnosis
A mother from Surrey has opened up about becoming her husband's full-time carer after he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at the age of 56, sharing the subtle warning signs they initially overlooked. John Green, now 64, received his diagnosis in 2018, marking the start of a profound life change for his family.
Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis
Janet Green, 62, described the early symptoms as easy to dismiss, including forgetting appointments, struggling at work, and difficulty using his computer. 'At first, it was just small things like forgetting appointments, struggling at work, not being able to use his computer,' she said. 'But eventually he had to leave his job in the civil service, and not long after that he wasn't able to drive.' Although the diagnosis provided answers, it ushered in a new reality for the family.
According to the NHS, Alzheimer's disease is most commonly diagnosed in people over 65, but around one in 13 cases occur in individuals under 65. This progressive illness affects multiple brain functions, leading to confusion, memory loss, and challenges with speech, language, and mobility. Many patients also experience behavioural changes, such as aggression and personality shifts.
Family Impact and Care Challenges
'No one can really prepare you for how severe dementia can become,' Mrs. Green emphasized. 'The personality changes, the unpredictability of what they might do next. Every new change brought uncertainty and anxiety – and sometimes embarrassment.' The family tried to meet these challenges with patience, love, and humour, striving to stay positive and create memories.
When Mr. Green was diagnosed, their youngest daughter, Evie, was just 14. With older siblings moved out, Evie, now 22, began caring for her father alongside her mother. 'I felt like I had to mature very early on,' Evie recalled. 'Especially during Covid, when mum was still going to work and I was at home with Dad, it really forced me to see what was happening.' She admitted to feelings of anger and frustration, noting how their close relationship changed over time.
Mr. Green remained at home until 2025, when the family made the difficult decision to move him into a care home. Mrs. Green described the shift from partner to carer as incredibly painful, with ongoing anxieties about the future, long-term care, and finances.
Support from Charities and Community
The family found crucial support through the charity Younger People with Dementia (YPWD), which assists those diagnosed at a younger age. Mrs. Green called the organisation a 'lifeline', offering guidance, respite, and community. YPWD provided activities for Mr. Green, including walking groups and a choir, which he enjoyed immensely.
Evie also accessed support groups for young carers, which she said made 'a huge difference' by helping her feel less alone. Mrs. Green has since begun volunteering with the charity herself, giving back to the community that supported them.
Looking Ahead and Advocacy
Despite the challenges, the family continues to focus on making memories together. However, Evie acknowledged the emotional hurdles, such as accepting that her father won't be at her wedding. Mrs. Green's message to others facing an early diagnosis is clear: 'Get out there and find help – I don't know where we'd be without it.'
This story comes amid progress in dementia research, including the Daily Mail's Defeating Dementia campaign, which aims to fast-track patients into clinical trials. The Dementia Trials Accelerator has invited over 15,500 people aged 65 to 75 to join, addressing recruitment barriers in late-stage trials. Currently, there is no cure for dementia, which claims 76,000 lives annually in the UK.
Understanding Young-Onset Dementia
Young-onset dementia refers to cases diagnosed before age 65, affecting over 70,800 people in the UK. Causes are similar to older-onset dementia, including Alzheimer's or vascular disease, but can also result from non-genetic factors like stroke, traumatic brain injury, or heavy alcohol use. Early symptoms may be less obvious, with younger people more likely to experience changes in language, vision, behaviour, or personality rather than memory loss.
