A young mother was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia after she was thought to be suffering from post-natal depression following the birth of her daughter.
Holly Braithwaite is believed to be one of the youngest people in the UK to be suffering from Frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
She began to notice symptoms back in 2019 but assumed that they were linked to the recent birth of her daughter Alba or perhaps a pre-existing thyroid condition.
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According to one of Holly’s best friends, Sophie Poulton, it took a while for a proper diagnosis.
She said: “After several different tests and scans it was confirmed it was Frontotemporal Dementia. We were so shocked when were heard it was a form of dementia. Holly’s so sharp, even now, she will know dates, birthdays, what we did on nights out when we were younger.
“That’s the surprising thing about FTD and some of these rarer forms of dementia. It’s not about memory loss and it can happen to younger people.”
FTD is an extremely rare form of dementia which causes problems with behaviours, personality and language. It affects the front sides of the brain and can affect anyone, including those in their thirties, forties and fifties.
“Heartbroken” Sophie, who helps with care duties, and their other best pal Kayleigh Spooner completed an eight-mile charity walk in honour of Holly. More than 80 people joined in on the trek and raised £7,000, or about €8,200, for Rare Dementia Support, Manchester Evening News reports.
The service was funded by The National Brain Appeal and it became a lifeline for Holly, husband Alex and her mother Chris following the devastating diagnosis.
Like other forms of dementia, there is sadly no cure for FTD. The Rare Dementia Support offers advice and a safe space for people with similar problems to meet.
It aims to empower, guide and inform people who are living with rare dementia while also providing support to loved ones. Sophie said: “The Rare Dementia Support team have been a godsend to those caring for Holly, offering their expertise and support to the family and so we knew we wanted to give something back.
"When Kayleigh and I went to Alex with our idea of a fundraising walk, he suggested we do this for The National Brain Appeal who fund the service. We have contacted lots of people who know and love Holly to join us to celebrate her and to help to raise money for the charity.
"We’ve also had support from people who don’t know Holly but just want to show they care. We really wanted to just make the day a good one, one that is full of fun and laughter, just the way Holly would like it."
She added: "Holly’s condition is progressing faster than any of us anticipated. As family and friends we are doing all we can to support her and create a safe, loving and caring environment for her during this scary, confusing time.
"We are devastated and broken-hearted to see what is happening to our beloved friend. We know there is no cure and we just want to be there for her and do whatever we can for her, Alex, Alba, Chris and all the family."
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