Two Brothers in Their 20s Diagnosed with 15 Years to Live
Jordan and Cian Adams, aged 28 and 23 from Worcestershire, UK, have been told they have approximately 15 years of quality life remaining. The brothers have been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), a rare form of dementia caused by the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain’s frontal region.
FTD primarily affects people under the age of 65, with symptoms typically manifesting in the early 40s. Those diagnosed often face a life expectancy of around ten years after diagnosis, and there is currently no cure for the condition.
Their mother, Geraldine, also suffered from FTD, passing away at the age of 52 in 2016. By that time, she had lost the ability to speak, move independently, or recognize her children.
Jordan, speaking to MailPlus, shared:
“Our lives may be shorter than most, but this has only made us more determined to make the most of the time we have. We’re focused on living a meaningful life, raising awareness, and supporting efforts to combat this terrible disease.”
His younger brother, Cian, added: “I wish more than anything that this hadn’t happened and that we didn’t have to face this. It’s awful, and I wish things were different. But this has given us a purpose and an opportunity to make a difference in the world.”
The brothers are committed to making an impact by running across the UK to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. They have already raised £150,000 and are aiming to reach £1 million.
Cian emphasized their determination: “Every day we think, ‘Not again!’ But quitting isn’t an option. We have a really important reason for doing this, and that’s what keeps us going.”
They are also honoring their mother through their efforts. Cian fondly recalled: “She used to make a big chili con carne, and we’d have all our cousins over for dinner after school. She loved her R&B music and would blast it in the car on our way to school.”
According to their doctor, their sister Kennedy did not inherit the condition. However, Cian acknowledged that it’s just as hard for her, knowing she will lose her brothers to dementia, even though she isn’t affected herself.