Many people will have been moved hearing TV presenter Fiona Phillips talking about caring for her parents who both had dementia. Now Phillips has announced the terribly sad news that she has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. As she is only 62 she has highlighted the fact that it isn't just elderly people who live with the disease.

“There is still an issue with this disease that the public thinks of old people, bending over a stick, talking to themselves,” she said.

My father was diagnosed with dementia in his 50s so I am acutely aware that dementia isn't solely a condition of old age. As a lawyer, I constantly encourage my clients to prepare for the future. It is never too soon to make a will and lasting powers of attorney and, for those who have been diagnosed with a form of dementia, it is often not too late either. Having all the necessary documentation in place will give you and your loved ones peace of mind whatever the future may hold.