Running to Cure Dementia: Jordan Adams on Living with Purpose After a Terminal Diagnosis

What would you do if you were told, at just 23, that you would almost certainly develop dementia and lose your life within 10 –15 years?

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Jordan Adams, co-founder of The FTD Brothers, who opens up about his extraordinary journey from teenage caregiver to record-breaking fundraiser and endurance runner.

After his mum was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at just 47, Jordan became her primary carer through the final years of her life. At 23, he took the genetic test himself and learned he carries the same rare gene mutation. Faced with a terminal diagnosis, Jordan decided not to give up, but to use it as his ‘license to live’. 

In this deeply moving and powerful conversation, we unpack:

🏃‍♂️ Running his first marathon at 18, then 7 in 7 days, and 49 total to date

🧬 Receiving a terminal diagnosis at 23 & using it as a license to live

👨‍👩‍👦 Caring for his mum from 15 years old and coping with her loss

🌍 Running the length of the UK (Land’s End to John O’Groats) with his brother Cian

🎗️ Raising over £250,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK

💬 The mental toll of grief, survivor’s guilt & finding purpose

🔥 Future plans: a marathon in every Irish county, coast-to-coast Canada & more

👟 Why running helped save his life - physically, mentally and emotionally

Jordan’s story is one of grief, resilience, family, and relentless purpose. Whether you’re a runner or not, this is an episode that will stay with you.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to rate, share and follow The Runna Podcast.

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