My dad's devastating dementia diagnosis aged just 52

A devoted daughter has spoken out to raise awareness of support needed for younger people diagnosed with early-onset dementia conditions. Steve Bagnall reports

- Steve Bagnall reports

Erin, aged five, with dad Tony

JUST 52 years old Tony was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a group of brain disorders that also affects Hollywood actor Bruce Willis.

FTD is caused by the progressive loss of nerve cells in the brain, leading to changes in behaviour, personality and language. For Tony, known locally in Gaerwen, on Anglesey, as Tony Graig and a well-known agriculture contractor on the island, the impact has been life-changing.

Now 57, he has spent the past year being lovingly cared for at Pendine Park's Bryn Seiont Newydd in Caernarfon, an award-winning centre specialising in dementia care.

His daughter, Erin Thomas, who works at the Menter Mon regeneration agency, has become a passionate advocate for raising awareness of dementia in younger people.

Erin is taking part in a special S4C current affairs programme, Y Byd ar Bedwar, which investigates the support available in Wales for those living with dementia under the age of 65. Her father’s story will be featured in the broadcast at 8pm on Monday, November 3.

Erin said: “My father was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) five years ago but that process was difficult because the system couldn't adapt to diagnosing someone so young. It took over three years from the initial signs to get an assessment.

“There is a need for more specialist facilities for people like my father created in north Wales. ‘There are none in the area and the only places available are care homes, but at 57 he is too young to be in an older people's care home.

“Preparations need to be made to cater for people like my father. He is a Welsh-speaker and needs to be cared for locally. His dementia is not going to go away and there is currently no cure.