Dad, 30, has Alzheimer’s... and his twins have 50% chance of getting it too
Dan is one of UK’s youngest sufferers
A DAD has been struck down with Alzheimer’s at just 30 – and doctors fear his young twins could face the same fate.
Daniel Bradbury began showing symptoms last July and is one of the youngest sufferers in the country.
He inherited a rogue gene from his father who died from the disease at 36.
The former aerospace engineer has been warned his 18-month-old twins Lola and Jasper have a 50% chance of being diagnosed in their 30s.
Daniel, who has short-term memory loss, confusion and problems with balance, lost his job last year after bosses said he was “under-performing”.
He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last September and doctors have warned him to expect the symptoms to accelerate because of his young age.
Daniel said: “I try not to think about it. I live day by day with good days and bad days. It affects not only me but everyone around me. I do not know how long I have till it takes a real hold.
“I want to be as much of a dad as I can for as long as I can.”
Daniel, from Hucknall, Notts, is now raising money to take partner Jordan Evans and the children on a holiday before his memories fade.
He said: “One day I hope they will be able to look back on videos and photos of us all together and cherish them.
“I remember my dad Adrian going through it in 1999. The doctors didn’t know he had Alzheimer’s at that time but it was horrible to watch.
“When I am asked what the future holds, I just say that I think about
providing memories for Jordan and the kids.” Laws on patients finding out about genetic conditions mean Lola and Jasper cannot be tested for the disease until they are 18. Daniel’s brother Sean, 28, has been screened and given the all clear. Younger sibling Alex, 23, decided he does not want to find out. Jordan, 29, said: “We had a suspicion something was not right but were praying that it was not this. It was particularly difficult to hear that the children may get it too. “It’s been hard but we are determined to live every day to the fullest. We try and have some days when we do not talk about it. “When the children get older they can remember how great a dad he was.”
I just want to be as much of a dad as I can for as long as I can DANIEL FIGHTING ALZHEIMER’S AT 30