A Four-Year-Old With Dementia Has Forgotten His First Words

A Midlands boy has forgotten his first words as he struggles to cope with a rare case of dementia in a young person.

George Young, from Kenilworth in Warwickshire, is just four years old and was diagnosed with dementia last year. He learned to say 'mama' and 'daddy' but is now mute.

The Batten Disease Family Association (BDFA), which supports families of those affected, estimates that around 150 kids are suffering from the disease in the UK. George has CLN8 Batten disease, which is one of the rarest forms of the condition, and is thought to be one of just two children in the country who have it.

His dementia is a symptom of his Batten disease and is slowly removing his ability to speak and impeding his motor skills.

Andrew Craner / Triangle News

"I wasn't aware of childhood dementia," said Claire, George's mother. "I didn't know it could happen to little ones at all and you especially don't expect it to happen to one of your own.

"He developed normally as a little boy, he hit all his major milestones. He did have a speech delay when he was two, but he did have a few words so it wasn't a major concern.

"Despite not being able to speak now, George is such fun, full of mischief, he loves being in company and is just a lovely little boy to be around."

She added: "It would be an understatement to say it turned our world upside down.

"Last year I was just in this sort of haze for ages, accepting that news about your child, not knowing what the future holds for him. It's been incredibly difficult but it will change me as a mum and as a person forever, I'm sure.

"It's a massive life lesson and it is heartbreaking to know that I am going to lose him, but we are trying to make the most of it."

Andrew Craner / Triangle News

Claire has made a list of activities that she wants to do with her son in the time that they have left. So far, he has been on a helicopter ride, driven in a sports car, enjoyed the rollercoasters at Peppa Pig World and met the guards at Buckingham Palace.

"There is a theme with all these things. He loves the speed - it brings out such emotion in him," explains Claire.

"Because he doesn't have any language it's so important to hear him laugh, express himself and get excited. All these amazing things help him do that and so I want him to do as many of those as possible."

Topics: UK News, Feels, Dementia

Mike Wood

Mike Meehall Wood is a freelance journalist and translator. He writes for LADbible, VICE and countless sports publications, focusing on rugby league, football and boxing. He is a graduate of Leeds University and maintains a fizzy pop obsession. Contact Mike at [email protected]