Black Country family shares powerful story to raise awareness of young‑onset dementia

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is shining a light on the realities of young onset dementia – where symptoms occur before the age of 65 – through the story of Kerry Banks and her family, whose lives changed dramatically when her husband, Andy, was diagnosed in his mid-50s. 

What began as subtle changes – tiredness, forgetfulness, and difficulty coping with work pressures – gradually unfolded into something far more serious. “We look back now and think he was about 55 when it started,” Kerry recalls. At the time, the family attributed Andy’s symptoms to night shifts and everyday stress, but as his behaviour changed and mistakes at work increased, concerns grew. 

Despite passing two initial memory tests with his GP, Kerry knew something wasn’t right. It wasn’t until a neurologist carried out more specialist assessments that the devastating diagnosis was confirmed. “I felt like I couldn’t breathe,” Kerry says. “You grieve for the person you’ve lost, even though they’re still here.” 

The family’s story reflects the experiences of many across the Black Country who face young onset dementia, a diagnosis that can be harder to recognise and navigate. With children still at home, a mortgage to pay, and careers in full swing, the impact can be profound. Kerry and Andy’s sons, Matthew and Tom, were just 12 and 9 when the situation reached crisis point, trying to make sense of their dad’s anger, exhaustion and confusion before they had answers. 

A lifeline through specialist support 

Support from the Trust’s Admiral Nursing service, delivered in partnership with Dementia UK, became vital. Dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, Stacey, built a therapeutic relationship with the whole family, offering emotional support, education, and practical guidance at every stage. 

“I developed an approach tailored to each family member’s needs,” Stacey explains. She supported Kerry through the emotional toll of caring for both Andy and her mother, who also lived with dementia, and helped the boys understand and cope with what was happening. 

The family also found community through local dementia-support groups, which offered friendship, belonging, and moments of joy amid the challenges. 

Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nursing charity that is there for the whole family. Its Admiral Nurses provide life-changing support for families affected by all forms of dementia. There are more than 470 Admiral Nurses, who work on Dementia UK’s free Helpline, in face-to-face and virtual clinics, in the community, and in GP practices, hospitals and care homes 

Finding purpose through community partnerships 

A turning point came when Andy joined Rockspur House, a local service supporting adults with learning disabilities and young onset dementia. What began as an introduction soon became transformative. Andy saw Rockspur not as a care setting, but as a job, a place where he had purpose again. 

“It was like getting Andy back,” Kerry says. “When he’s there, he thrives.” 

Rockspur’s manager, Nick, says the experience has helped the team shape a vision for a wider dementia-focused service:  “The support we’ve been able to offer Andy has been life-changing - for him, for us as a provider, and for his family.” 

A call for greater awareness and understanding 

Kerry and her family hope their story encourages others to seek help early and highlights the need for more support nationally for those living with young onset dementia. They also recognise how vital the support of professionals like Stacey has been, alongside community support. 

“I don’t think Andy and us as a family would be where we are today without Stacey. She is our guardian angel.” 

Despite the heartbreak, Kerry continues to raise money and awareness through community events, determined to help others on similar journeys. “I want fun, positivity, and support for others going through the same thing,” she explains. 

Black Country Healthcare’s commitment 

The Trust is committed to ensuring that people with dementia - regardless of age -remain active, included, and supported within their local communities. Admiral Nurses and community partners play a crucial role in making this possible. 

“Kerry’s story reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a family adapting with strength, love, and resilience,” says Admiral Nurse Stacey. “I feel privileged to have walked alongside them.  

“The last few years have placed increasing pressure on critical services that support families with dementia. This has left many people struggling and unable to cope with no one to turn to for support. Admiral Nurses are a lifeline for families navigating a dementia diagnosis, as we understand the unique challenges that people with dementia and those caring for them, can face.” 

If you need advice or support on living with dementia, contact Dementia UK’s Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email [email protected].  You can also book a free video or phone appointment to get expert dementia support from an Admiral Nurse. Find out more at dementiauk.org/book