Alan Saunders, 52, from Lewisham, experienced a sudden and dramatic change in his behaviour that was initially misdiagnosed as depression before doctors identified dementia as the underlying cause. Alan, who had been known as a calm and quiet individual, began to act erratically and show signs of confusion, prompting multiple medical consultations and support from a life coach provided by his workplace after he started rambling in meetings and had conflicts with colleagues.
In 2023, following his dismissal from his job as a lorry driver, Alan was diagnosed with depression and prescribed antidepressants. Despite this treatment, his condition did not improve. His partner of 36 years, Sharon Yardley, 44, noticed the drastic change and spent two years attending numerous medical appointments in pursuit of an accurate diagnosis.
Sharon recounted how Alan became obsessed with themes such as death and displayed difficulties with concentration. In December 2025, after extensive assessments, Alan was diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia and was admitted to the dementia ward at Bethlem Royal Hospital in London.
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Sharon described the situation: “It was as though he changed almost overnight. It was completely out of character for him, like he had hit a self-destruct button. His focus was gone, his behaviour was erratic, and even his driving became dangerous.”
Having been together since their teenage years, Sharon explained how Alan’s transformation affected their lives. “He was always a laid-back, quiet man who enjoyed a peaceful life and rarely spoke much at work. Losing his job due to his unusual behaviour in meetings was devastating. Eventually, his condition meant he had to move in with his mother as I could no longer care for him at home.”
Sharon initially believed Alan’s changes were due to depression triggered by the loss of his father and their dog. Despite multiple visits to different doctors, she felt the diagnosis didn’t fully fit. She advocated relentlessly for Alan, often taking time off work to contact the NHS for support and questioning the prescribed treatments.
“It was so difficult to get through to the right diagnosis. Alan’s behaviour was more than just depression. Looking back, I understand that with frontal lobe dementia, behavioural changes come first. I even had to sell his car because he was driving dangerously.”
Her perseverance finally led to a confirmed diagnosis of middle-to-late stage dementia in December 2025, following two home assessments and involvement from a psychiatrist. This delay had significant repercussions for the family, complicating the provision of adequate support and efforts to appeal Alan’s job loss.
Sharon shared the emotional toll: “I often wonder how I managed through those years. We never had issues in our relationship before, and he was a kind, gentle person. But as his behaviour worsened, I had no choice but to ask him to live with his mum to allow me to continue working.”
Alan is currently receiving specialist care at Bethlem Royal Hospital’s dementia ward. Sharon continues to advocate for awareness of younger-onset dementia and highlights the limited support available for people like Alan. “I cared for my mum who also had dementia during this time, and finding suitable care places for a 52-year-old with the condition is incredibly challenging. Throughout, my main priority was ensuring Alan received the right care. It was frustrating that it took so long to get a diagnosis, despite my persistence.”