41-year-old man with Alzheimer's explains how he finally got his diagnosis
A man with Young Onset Alzheimer's has taken to YouTube to explain how he finally got his diagnosis.
The 41 year old posted a video on his YouTube channel where he detailed the process of his diagnosis after he began to notice he was having memory problems.
While initially putting it down to stress, Fraser decided to seek medical advice and now shares his experience on social media to raise awareness.
In the clip, he said: “I know that when I got diagnosed, I was keen to hear about others’ experiences and their journey how they got diagnosed and, I guess, the processes they went through and their experiences, so I kind of figured it’d be helpful just maybe for others who are going through that process as well or are thinking about going to the doctors - this might be helpful for you.”
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After undergoing cognitive testing and blood work, Fraser had brain tests done.
He continued: “The neuropsychologist did a really long cognitive test it went for, I don’t know, I'm going to say three hours, maybe two hours, I don't know, it felt like a really, really long time though.
“You had to do all these different tasks and I could feel that I wasn't performing too well and like she would read out a whole list of words, really long list of words, and I didn't remember like four or five words and she repeated that process throughout different stages and I was like, ‘I don't know’.”
Fraser tried to stay optimistic throughout the assessment and a few days later, his MRI and PET scan results showed a report that detailed a likelihood of Alzheimer's.
Describing that moment, he said: “I just completely freaked out, I was hysterically crying, almost like I couldn't breathe, it was just, I've never been like that before.
“It was just like my body just took over and I couldn't control myself.”
Offering advice to others, the YouTuber advised to make recordings if you’re struggling with your memory as a way to remember information given by medical experts.
Many people took to the YouTube comment section to share their reactions, with one user writing: “This autoethnographic work you’re doing is so important. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.”
Another said: “Dealt a s****y hand. Play it the best you can, brother.”
A third person commented: “Expecting a person with cognitive deficits to remember to follow up appointments is outrageous.”
And a fourth added: “I was diagnosed with young onset dementia last year. I’m 23. Mine is caused by a genetic issue. Thank you so much for making this channel, I’m glad I’m not alone.”