Jamie and Vicki Graham, from Dauntsey, represented Alzheimer’s Research UK at a reception at 10 Downing Street.

The event celebrated the progress of the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge, www.dementiachallenge.dh.gov.uk, since its launch in March this year. Mr Graham was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease five years ago at just 59.

Champions of Alzheimer’s Research UK, Mr and Mrs Graham are exceptional supporters of the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

Since Mr Graham’s diagnosis they have campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the need for more funding for research.

With the help of family, friends and a crew of veteran oarsmen, Mr Graham rowed from Eton to Henley in 2010 and 2011 in the Forget-Me-Not-Row – www.forgetmenotrow.com – and raised over £200,000 for the charity.

Mrs Graham, 67, said: “It was an honour to be invited to the reception and represent Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“We were delighted to meet the Prime Minister and talk to so many incredible people.

“Before his diagnosis in 2007, Jamie had a high-powered job in information technology. Since then our lives have been turned upside down “He’s had to give up driving and can no longer use a computer, read or write.

“We’re thrilled the Prime Minister has made dementia a priority, including an increase in funding for research.”

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, also attended the Downing Street reception. She said: “Early-onset Alzheimer’s is relatively rare but Jamie’s experience shows that dementia doesn’t just affect older people.

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge, and are delighted with the progress being made, including the doubling of public funding for dementia research by 2015, something for which we’ve long campaigned.

“This is an important step but in reality investment into dementia research still lags far behind other serious diseases.”

For more information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, which specialises in finding preventions, causes, treatments and a cure for dementia, visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org