Cian Adams and his brother Jordan have a gene mutation which means they will almost certainly develop devastating symptoms of a rare form of frontotemporal dementia in their 40s. The same gene robbed them of their mum, Geraldine, when she was just 52, as well as their aunt, nana and other relatives.

Known as the FTD Brothers, Cian and Jordan take on epic running challenges – including a 903-mile run from John o’ Groats to Land’s End in 2024 - to raise £1 million for Alzheimer’s Research UK of which they’re ambassadors. 

Helen talks to 24-year-old Cian about the family turmoil of seeing his mum suffering when he was a young boy and how he copes with the knowledge of what the future likely holds for him. He’s joined on the podcast by his girlfriend, Helen Jolly, who’s studying for a PhD in Dementia at Oxford University and gives an insight into the science behind this cruel disease. 

Cian & Jordan’s mum, Geraldine.