Charity reveals what we worry about

People are worried about poverty and dementia in later life, according to a new survey.

Charity Age Scotland has released the findings of new research that shows that not having enough money to live on is people’s biggest fear, with developing dementia coming second.

The charity, which has established an Early Stage Dementia Project through funding from the Life Changes Trust, has called for more action to tackle stigma around dementia in light of these findings.

It also wants more information to be made available on how people can reduce their risk of developing the condition.

Age Scotland and Paths for All are publishing a new guide today – Healthy Living And Dementia – which provides information both on what can be done to reduce dementia risk and how people who have a diagnosis can live well with the condition by keeping active.

Richard Baker, Early Stage Dementia team leader for Age Scotland, said: “Fears about dementia can prevent people seeking a diagnosis and getting the help they need, and that is why it is important to tackle the stigma around the condition.

“We also need to do more to get the message out that people can take steps to reduce the risk of developing dementia.”

Carl Greenwood, senior development officer at Paths for All added: “Being physically active brings a wealth of benefits.

“It can help to relieve stress, increase self-esteem, produce vitamin D, and exercises the brain, helping with memory and cognitive functioning.”