What it's like when your mother (54) has young-onset dementia: 'I will always take care of her'

The family of Jolanda van Dam, a 54-year-old resident of Vogelenzang who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at 48, is raising funds for Alzheimer Nederland. The family has transformed their home into a bakery to produce 500 apple pies, successfully raising over 10,000 euros for research. The initiative, supported by friends and the local community, also involves the family participating in an upcoming memorial walk in Amersfoort. Since the diagnosis, the family has had to adapt to significant life changes, including Jolanda leaving the workforce and requiring home care. Her husband, Edwin, and daughter, Linsey, who serves as a primary caregiver, focus on cherishing daily moments together while managing the challenges of the disease. According to Alzheimer Nederland, approximately 15,000 people in the Netherlands under the age of 65 suffer from early-onset dementia. The family remains dedicated to supporting Jolanda and hopes to keep her at home for as long as possible.