Honestly, watching the Johnston family over the years feels a lot like checking in on old friends. We’ve seen them renovate houses, navigate messy breakups, and welcome new grandbabies. But lately, the conversation around the patriarch has taken a sharp, heavy turn. If you’ve been scrolling through social media or catching up on recent episodes of 7 Little Johnstons, you’ve likely seen the headlines about Trent Johnston illness or his "80-year-old brain."
It sounds like a clickbait nightmare, doesn't it? But for Trent, the reality is a lot more complicated than a scary headline.
The whole thing started when Trent began experiencing some pretty terrifying symptoms. We’re talking about vertigo, dizzy spells, and memory lapses that weren't just "getting older" moments. When you're the backbone of a family that large, you can't really afford to have the room spinning while you're trying to work or keep up with your kids. So, he did what any of us would do—he went to the doctor. What came back from that MRI wasn't just a simple fix.
The MRI Results That Changed Everything
So, here is the deal with the "80-year-old brain" thing. It’s not just an exaggeration for the cameras. During Season 15, Trent sat down and dropped a bombshell: his MRI showed that his brain had shrunk at an alarming rate. Specifically, the spacing between his brain and his skull was more typical of someone in their early 80s, rather than a man in his late 40s.
That is heavy.
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Amber, who usually has a "let's fix it" attitude, was visibly shaken. She mentioned the "F" word—fear. Specifically, the fear that this brain atrophy could be a precursor to early-onset dementia or Alzheimer’s. When your brain is physically smaller than it should be, the neural pathways just aren't as efficient. It explains the memory loss. It explains the "fog." But that wasn't the only red flag the doctors found in those scans.
The MS Scare and Neurological Concerns
Beyond the shrinkage, the doctors spotted "trauma spots" on the brain. This led to a very real conversation about Multiple Sclerosis (MS). For those who don't know, MS is basically when your immune system starts attacking the protective sheath of your nerves. It’s life-altering. It messes with your vision, your balance, and your ability to walk.
Trent was referred to a neurologist to dig deeper into whether these spots were old injuries or signs of an active autoimmune condition. It's one of those "wait and see" situations that can drive a family crazy.
It Wasn't Just One Thing: Keratoconus and Vertigo
While everyone was reeling from the brain scan news, Trent had to deal with another specialized doctor. It turns out his vision problems weren't just "bad eyes." He was diagnosed with Keratoconus.
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Basically, his cornea is thinning and bulging into a cone shape. Imagine your eye is supposed to be round like a basketball, but instead, it’s shaped like a football. That creates massive distortion. The doctor told him his eyes were "like a balloon" that had been pushed on until it pooched out.
The fix? Hard contact lenses.
Trent, being Trent, wasn't exactly thrilled. He's a "don't touch my eyes" kind of guy. But when you’re dealing with potential MS and a shrinking brain, a specialized contact lens feels like a small price to pay to get some clarity back.
Living with a Chronic Health Journey
What’s interesting is how the Johnston family handles this. They don't just sit around and mope. Trent has been open about the fact that he’s a "hard worker" who has pushed his body for 47 years. Now, his body is telling him to slow down. That’s a hard pill to swallow for someone who defines himself by his ability to provide and lead.
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He’s mentioned his motivation: his granddaughter, Leighton. He doesn't want to be a burden. He wants to be the grandpa who can run around and play, not the one who is stuck in a chair because of vertigo or cognitive decline.
The Nuance of Dwarfism and Health
We also have to acknowledge the complexity here. People with Achondroplasia (the type of dwarfism the Johnstons have) often face a unique set of physical challenges as they age. While brain shrinkage isn't necessarily a standard "dwarfism trait," the wear and tear on the body and the potential for spinal issues or neurological compression are real factors. Doctors have to look at Trent’s health through a very specific lens.
It’s not just "Trent Johnston illness"—it’s a multifaceted medical puzzle that involves:
- Neurological monitoring for brain atrophy and MS signs.
- Ophthalmology care for Keratoconus and corneal stability.
- Vestibular therapy or management for ongoing vertigo.
- Lifestyle adjustments to manage stress and cognitive load.
What You Can Do If You’re Following This Story
If you’re watching this unfold and feeling worried—or perhaps seeing similar symptoms in your own life—there are some practical takeaways here.
- Don't ignore the "small" stuff. Trent's vertigo was the first sign. If you’re feeling off-balance or having weird memory gaps, it’s worth a professional look.
- Advocate for a specialist. A general practitioner is great, but for things like brain atrophy or corneal issues, you need a neurologist or an ophthalmologist who specializes in irregular corneas.
- Focus on what you can control. Trent is focusing on his health so he can be there for his grandbaby. Whether it's changing your diet, actually wearing the prescribed lenses, or just slowing down, those small shifts matter.
The journey with Trent Johnston illness isn't over. It’s a chronic, evolving situation. But by being transparent about his MRI and his struggles, he’s actually helping a lot of people realize that it’s okay to admit when your body is failing you, as long as you’re willing to "button up" and figure it out.
If you want to keep up with his progress, the best way is to stay tuned to the official TLC updates and their social media. Avoid the tabloid rumors; the family is usually pretty straight with the fans when things get serious.