A woman in her 40s with dementia has written to Prime Minister David Cameron calling for younger people to be tested for the condition, which is usually associated with the elderly.

Lorayne Minahan, of Lydd, was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in April, just a month after her 49th birthday.

Doctors have told her she has only two to eight years to live but she is determined to make the most of life and will marry her fiance, Simon Burgess, on her 50th birthday next March.

She is also planning to take part in the Alzheimer’s Society Kent Memory Walk in September and is urging others to join in.

She said: “I want to raise awareness of this condition as dementia is the third biggest killer in the UK after cancer and heart disease.

“People think it’s an illness for the old but I have heard of people as young as in their 30s getting it.”

"Being diagnosed at such a young age came as a huge shock to my family and myself. It was devastating for us all" - Lorayne Minahan

Miss Minahan went to see her doctor after noticing early symptoms such as forgetfulness and misplacing items in the house.

She said: “Being diagnosed at such a young age came as a huge shock to my family and myself. It was devastating for us all.

“One of the hardest things for me is how my dementia has made it more difficult to look after my grandson.

“Luckily, my son and daughter are great and support me all they can at home.

“I am determined to live life to the full though, and am planning to marry my fiancé on my 50th birthday next March in a windmill.

“I am taking part in the Memory Walk with all my family and I will do it every year as long as I can.”

More than 23,000 people are living with dementia in Kent.

The Kent Memory Walk, from Leeds Castle, is one of several being organised by the Alzheimer’s Society nationwide throughout September.

Last year’s walk in Bedford raised more than £80,000.

Jenny Connolly, Alzheimer’s Society community fundraiser for East Sussex and Kent, said: “Our Memory Walk last year showed the great community spirit that exists here in Kent.

“We hope people will be more determined than ever in signing up this year to raise vital funds for research and services for those affected by dementia.”

The Kent Memory Walk is from 11am on Saturday, September 26, from Leeds Castle with a choice of two routes, 3km (1.875 miles) or 8km (five miles). Miss Minahan will take the longer walk.

Participants need to turn up at 10am. To register, visit www.memorywalk.org.uk.