Only one in three Britons know they can take steps to reduce their risk of developing dementia, even though most people worry they could develop the disease, a new survey shows.
According to the data, six in ten adults, or 59 percent, say they worry about a possible diagnosis, while 43 percent regularly check for symptoms. That means one in five people are alarmed even when they forget something mundane, like their keys or someone's name.
Concern about dementia appears to have increased in recent years, with 56 percent of respondents saying the Covid-19 pandemic has made them more health conscious. Meanwhile, half of respondents know someone with dementia or care for someone with the condition.
The survey of 2 adults in Britain was conducted by OnePoll and highlights the lack of public information about one of the most serious diseases of our time.
Dementia causes around 76 deaths a year in the UK and is the leading cause of death in the country. However, only 11 per cent of those surveyed correctly identified it as the leading cause of mortality, while 41 per cent incorrectly thought cancer was the top cause.
Dementia cases are expected to exceed one million by 2030, while one in three people born today is expected to develop it during their lifetime.
Studies show that about 45 percent of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by treating 14 risk factors. However, only 32 percent of people believe this is possible.
Many people recognize some risk factors, such as traumatic head injuries, excessive alcohol consumption, social isolation, smoking, lack of physical activity, and depression. But far fewer people are able to identify other factors, such as poor quality childhood education, untreated vision problems, hearing loss, air pollution, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.
The survey also shows that misconceptions about dementia remain widespread. Some respondents incorrectly linked the disease to lack of sleep, exposure to chemicals, vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, aluminum, or poor dental hygiene.
Michelle Dyson, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said the results show the need for more public education about dementia and the practical steps people can take to reduce their risk.
According to her, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, treating hearing loss, and managing long-term diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes play an important role in protecting brain health.
Half of those surveyed said they would like to know in advance if they would develop dementia later in life. The main reasons related to the desire to spend more time with loved ones, to plan care and finances, to improve health, to document memories and to travel more.
The survey also highlights a worrying gap in financial planning. Most people estimate the cost of dementia care at around £20 a year, while 39 per cent admit they don't know at all.
In reality, care for severe cases of dementia can cost an average of £81 a year, while even milder cases can cost around £29 a year.
Almost half of those surveyed, 49 percent, admitted they have no financial plan to meet potential future care costs. A quarter said they would rely on income, savings and pensions, while one in ten would be forced to sell their home.
Peter Hamilton, head of research at Zurich UK, which commissioned the survey, said many people still see dementia as an inevitable part of ageing, even though this is not true.
According to him, more information and early action, both for health and finances, can help people feel better prepared and more in control of their future. /GazetaExpress/
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