Jordan and Cian Adams, two brothers from Redditch, face an overwhelming 99% chance of developing frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a devastating illness that has claimed the lives of 12 of their relatives. Now aged 30 and 25, they are bracing for what they describe as “15 or 20 healthy summers” ahead before symptoms commonly arise in their 40s.
Their mother, Geraldine, was diagnosed with FTD at just 47 and passed away at 52. Her transformation from a vibrant, outgoing woman to someone withdrawn due to the disease deeply impacted the family. Geraldine’s courage and character continue to inspire her sons as they fight to raise awareness and funds for dementia research.
Through their FTD Brothers Foundation, Jordan and Cian have raised over £400,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Their fundraising efforts intensified recently when they completed the London Marathon together, adding nearly £500,000 to their cause.
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Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Jordan described his mother as “the life and soul of every room,” who eventually lost her ability to walk and talk as the disease progressed. He shared the heartbreak of losing 12 family members to familial FTD, all within six to ten years after diagnosis.
Cian, after discovering he carries the faulty gene too, conceived the extraordinary idea of running the length of the UK in 2024, raising more than £250,000 through various challenges that year.
The brothers are determined to raise £1 million while still healthy, channeling their energy into high-profile events. During the London Marathon, Jordan carried a symbolic fridge for the charity Mind and Buxton’s Sweat and Tears campaign, representing the unseen burdens carried by many with mental health challenges.
Shortly after, Jordan flew to Ireland, their mother’s birthplace, to embark on a staggering endeavor: running 32 marathons in 32 days.
“Living with this genetic knowledge is incredibly difficult,” Jordan admits, “but I’ve chosen to turn it into a mission to help those living with dementia or caring for someone affected by it.”
Their unwavering courage and determination provide hope and strength to countless families confronting the dark shadow of dementia.