Parents devastated after son dies from dementia at just 40
A FAMILY has spoken of their devastation that their son, at just 40, has become one of the youngest people to die from dementia.
Gareth Wilmot, a teacher, died last Monday after a five year battle with frontotemporal dementia, a savage and rapidlyadvancing form of the disease.
He was diagnosed at 35 – it usually affects patients between the ages of 45 and 65.
Doctors initially thought he had depression but further tests revealed he had the disease.
His parents Lesley, 66 and Graham, 65, of Barnsley, South Yorkshire, said they were heartbroken at losing their “showman” son.
Lesley said: “We have this massive hole to fill now, a huge void.
“Gareth was originally diagnosed with depression, which I feel the doctors thought was more common for someone of his age. We took him home and tried to pinpoint the problem. It was only as the illness progressed that alarm bells started ringing.
“The effect on the family was devastating, he was a completely different person.”
The frontal lobes of the brain deal with behaviour, problemsolving, planning, the control of emotions and speech. As nerve cells die, the brain tissue shrinks.
Graham, a retired mechanical fitter, said: “Gareth started to lose his speech and was unable to speak. He started to refuse food and drink. It is horrible to see an old person like that, never mind your own son. The diagnosis is final. It destroys you.”
Gareth had taught children with behavioural problems and lived happily with a partner prior to his diagnosis. He later moved in with his parents and then, in the final stages, into Havenfield Lodge care home in Barnsley.
He had attended Arden School of Theatre at Manchester University. Graham said: “When he graduated, he got a huge cheer from the audience, everybody loved him. He was a showman
“People with dementia tend to lose friends but his stuck by him. They were brilliant.”
He added: “His funeral will be a celebration of his life. We have invited all of his family and friends. I’m hoping they can all fit in the venue.”
The couple, who have been fundraising for dementia charities, have donated Gareth’s brain to research. Lesley said: “If we help one other person or family, then that’s a comfort to us. We hope it leaves a lasting legacy.” Plea: Susan Talbot