“I never expected to care for Dad in my 20s” | Lizzie’s story

When it comes to father-daughter relationships, Rob and Lizzie’s couldn’t have been stronger. They shared a love for the outdoors, music and sport, and were always finding ways to make each other laugh.   

When Rob began to struggle with driving in his mid-50s, the family knew something was wrong, but the prospect of dementia didn’t cross their minds. A few years later, Rob was diagnosed with young onset frontotemporal dementia. He was 58 years old, and Lizzie was just 24.   

Lizzie suddenly found herself navigating young adulthood while also adapting to her new role as a part time carer to her dad. In this episode, she discusses the drastic change in family roles, the importance of compassion and processing the loss of her dad, who died a few months before this recording. 

Further resources:  

• Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses  
• Access information and resources about young onset dementia, where symptoms develop before the age of 65 
• Read tips and advice to help parents support children and adolescents when the other parent has young onset dementia 
• Find young onset dementia support groups and services 
• Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends 

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