A Heart breaking Reminder of the Importance of Planning Ahead

Britain’s youngest dementia sufferer with frontotemporal dementia, has highlighted how suddenly cognitive illness can strike.

AY was only 22 when behavioural changes and memory issues prompted medical investigations, revealing severe brain shrinkage comparable to that of a 70‑year‑old. He donated his brain to research in the hope of preventing other families from facing the same loss.

His story is a powerful reminder that future planning is not something to put off.

What is the Court of Protection

If somebody lacks the mental capacity, the Court of Protection (COP) ensures that decisions about their finances, care, and welfare are made lawfully and in their best interests.

The COP exists to provide structure, protection, and oversight in exactly these circumstances.

Lasting Powers of Attorney: Protecting Choices Before Capacity Is Lost

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows individuals to appoint trusted decision‑makers for their health, welfare, property, and finances. LPAs ensure your wishes are respected if capacity changes unexpectedly, something AY’s story shows can happen at any age.

Deputyship: When Capacity Has Already Been Lost

If LPAs weren’t set up before capacity declined, families can apply for Deputyship through the Court of Protection.

Deputies are legally authorised to manage finances and, where permitted, health and welfare decisions. This provides clarity, stability, and the assurance that loved ones’ needs are being met lawfully and compassionately.

Why does this matter?

Even when communication is lost, as happened when AY became unable to speak in the final month of his life, the Court of Protection framework ensures decisions reflect the person’s values, routines, and personality. It protects dignity at every stage.

A professional deputy will consider

• Past and present wishes and feelings
• What is in that person’s best interests
• The family’s wishes and feelings

How can we help?

We support families through every stage of planning, crisis, and long‑term management. We can assist by:

• Offering fixed‑fee appointments to answer queries and provide clear guidance.
• Preparing and submitting Court of Protection applications on your behalf.
• Acting as a long‑term Deputy or Attorney, where families prefer or require professional support.
• Helping you understand LPA options and ensuring they reflect your loved one’s wishes.
• Guiding families through best‑interest decision‑making, especially where communication has declined.
• Providing ongoing support to help manage finances, welfare decisions, and care arrangements.

If you would like to discuss the application process or have any other queries, please contact our experts in the Court of Protection team.

We can offer fixed fee appointments for queries, make applications on your behalf, or act long-term as a deputy or attorney for your loved ones. We are here to help and can be all the help you need.