Only one in three realise they can cut dementia risks

ONLY ONE in three adults in the UK believes it is possible to reduce their risk of developing dementia, new research suggests.

The poll also found a lack of awareness around lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of the disease. Almost half of the people surveyed did not know a single risk factor for dementia. These risk factors include heavy drinking, genetics, smoking, high blood pressure, depression and diabetes, while exercise is known to help protect against the disease.

The Dementia Attitudes Monitor interviewed 2,361 people and was carried out by Ipsos MORI for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer but only half of people recognise it even causes death, and almost half of UK adults are unable to name one of seven known risk factors. Many of these enduring misconceptions influence attitudes to research, with the Dementia Attitudes Monitor showing that those who believe dementia is an inevitable part of ageing are also less likely to value a formal diagnosis or to engage with research developments that could bring about life-changing preventions and treatments. Making breakthroughs in public understanding has the potential to empower more people to take steps to maintain their own brain health.”

Over 850,000 people in the UK are now living with dementia.