DEMENTIA AT 5
Reece’s mother: He’s forgotten everything he’s learned in his life except the word ‘Mummy’
A BOY has forgotten nearly everything he has learned in his short life after getting dementia aged five.
Reece Mitchell, now six, has just one word left in his vocabulary – “Mummy”.
He started having seizures as a toddler. Doctors first linked it to his autism.
But tests showed it was much more serious and Reece slowly lost his ability to communicate, drink and walk. Now he can only eat pureed food and utter a single word.
Last year he was diagnosed with Batten’s disease – a rare form of childhood dementia – which has no cure and a life expectancy of 12 years.
Mum Donna from North Kessock, near Inverness, is devastated but has vowed to make the most of what little time Reece has left.
She said: “He has taught us more about life and love than anyone. I occasionally see a glimmer of the old Reece when he lets out a cheeky smile or reaches for my hand.
“But this disease has stolen his spark – I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
The genetic condition affects 100 to 150 children in the UK. Sufferers have impaired understanding, seizures, and slowly lose their sight and motor skills.
Single mum Donna, 46, who also has daughters Courtney, 26, and Alexandra, 16, worked with special needs adults but had to give up to care for Reece.
She said: “We weren’t going to wallow in self-pity and I refuse to be sad while he’s still here.
“He’s still in there, and I will do my absolute best to make the time he has left as special as possible.”