Mum's 'postnatal depression' hiding degenerative condition
A woman in the UK has been diagnosed with a cruel degenerative condition after being misdiagnosed with postnatal depression following the birth of her daughter.
Holly Braithwaite, 34, welcomed her daughter Alba in 2019 when she began experiencing symptoms.
At first it was thought she may be suffering from postnatal depression, then a thyroid issue.
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It was originally suspected Holly was suffering from post-natal depression, and then a thyroid condition. The National Brain Appeal
However after "several different" tests she was eventually diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a rarity for someone her age.
Her friend Sophie Poulton who helps care for her tells TeessideLive the diagnosis left the young mum's family and friends "broken-hearted".
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Holly (left) with friends Sophie (centre) and Kayleigh Spooner (right). The National Brain Appeal
"It took a while for Holly to get a proper diagnosis," she continues. "After several different tests and scans it was confirmed it was frontotemporal dementia. We were so shocked when were heard it was a form of dementia.
"Holly's so sharp, even now, she will know dates, birthdays, what we did on nights out when we were younger."
Sophie explains frontotemporal dementia isn't about memory loss, unlike other forms of the disease. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it causes the temporal lobes of the brain to shrink, affecting behaviour, personality, language and movement.
Sophie and friend Kayleigh Spooner have devoted themselves to raising funds for Rare Dementia Support, which provides assistance to families like Holly's.
Sophie and friend Kayleigh Spooner have devoted themselves to raising funds for research into the ocndition. The National Brain Appeal
They recently completed a 12km trek on behalf of the organisation, raising £7,000 ($12,186).
In Australia, there are an estimated 487,500 people living with dementia – the second leading cause of death.
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