Family Thought Dad Had Dementia, But It Was a Brain Tumour

Jimmy's family thought he had dementia, but a scan showed he had a brain tumour.

Jimmy had memory problems and confusion, so his family thought he might have dementia. He had trouble finding the right words.

Jimmy's condition got worse, and he went to the hospital in November 2024. The scans showed he had a type of brain tumour called glioblastoma.

Naomi, Jimmy's daughter, said her dad called her mom from the store because he forgot why he was there. At first, they thought it might be a small stroke, but it passed, and he was okay.

As time went on, Jimmy forgot things and had trouble talking. His family thought he might have dementia because his mom had it. They believed this for months.

Jimmy called his wife from the store because he forgot why he was there.

Jimmy was a healthy and active man who loved walking and music. He rarely complained about his health.

As summer went on, Jimmy's symptoms got worse. He became withdrawn and irritable, which was not like him.

Jimmy's wife was worried and wanted him to see a doctor, but he kept putting it off. He had bad headaches and took a lot of painkillers.

One day, Jimmy tried to make soup in a plastic jug on the stove, which was very dangerous. This was when his family knew something was seriously wrong.

Jimmy finally saw a doctor and was sent for more tests, but his condition got much worse before the tests could happen. He lost feeling in his legs and was taken to the hospital.

Naomi was at home when her mom called her to come to the hospital. She knew it was serious.

Jimmy had surgery to remove the tumour on December 10, 2024.

When Naomi found out her dad had a brain tumour, she was very upset. It was the worst news she could have heard.

The doctors said Jimmy had a very bad type of brain tumour and might not live until Christmas if he didn't get treatment.

Jimmy had surgery to remove the tumour, and the doctors were able to take out about 80% of it.

The family spent Christmas together, but soon after, Jimmy got a serious infection. Naomi said her mom found blood on his pillow one morning.

The infection spread, and Jimmy needed emergency surgery. The doctors had to remove part of his skull, and there was a point when they thought they might lose him.

Jimmy spent seven weeks in the hospital recovering from the infection. He also had two blood clots in his lungs.

Jimmy is still getting treatment and living with the effects of the tumour and the complications. His family has raised over £3,000 for brain tumour research.

Jimmy is still getting treatment and living with the effects of the tumour and the complications.

The money they raised is enough to fund more than a day of research at a centre that is working to develop better treatments for glioblastoma.

Naomi said life is very different now, and her dad relies on a walker and has lost some of his independence. But he still has his sense of humour and determination.

Naomi's mom and sister help take care of Jimmy, and his grandchildren give him reasons to keep fighting. One of the hardest things is that brain tumour research doesn't get much funding.

Naomi didn't know how little funding brain tumour research got until her dad was diagnosed. She thinks supporting the research is a good way to honour him and help find better treatments.

The NHS says common symptoms of a brain tumour can include headaches and seizures.

Sometimes you might not have any symptoms at first, or they might develop slowly. You can learn more about brain tumour research at braintumourresearch.org.

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