Around a quarter of UK adults over the age of 40 cannot name any habits or health conditions that increase their risk of dementia, according to new research by the Alzheimer's Society. The study indicates that millions of Brits lack the knowledge to take effective steps to reduce their risk of developing the disease.
Millions unaware of dementia risk factors
It estimates that close to one million people in the UK are living with dementia, with around a third living without a formal diagnosis. That figure is expected to increase to around 1.4 million by 2040, with the Alzheimer's Society sharing the everyday habits and health conditions that increase a person's risk of developing dementia.
It comes as a poll of 1,393 people in the UK, conducted on behalf of the Alzheimer's Society, found that 26% could not name a single risk factor.
Everyday habits that increase risk
Everyday lifestyle choices and habits that are known to increase a person's risk of dementia include drinking too much alcohol, physical inactivity, smoking, and infrequent social interaction.
Meanwhile, other factors and health conditions that could increase a person's risk of dementia include air pollution, obesity, head injury, hypertension, vision loss, diabetes, less education, depression, hearing impairment, and high cholesterol.
The research found that fewer than a third (32%) of people knew that high blood pressure could increase their dementia risk.
Experts urge action on brain health
Michelle Dyson, chief executive at the Alzheimer's Society, said: "These new findings show that many people are not aware of the factors they can influence to help reduce their risk of developing dementia, the UK's biggest killer.
"As a result, millions of people are missing the chance to take simple steps today that could help protect their brain health tomorrow, from getting their hearing checked to managing their blood pressure.
"By helping people to understand their risks and the actions they can take, we have a meaningful opportunity to reduce the number of people affected by dementia in the future."
Professor Ian Maidment, a professor in clinical pharmacy at Aston University, said: "Many people understandably live in fear of dementia.
"But there are many things that we can do to reduce the risk of dementia, including exercise, not smoking, alcohol in moderation and managing diseases such as high blood pressure and raised cholesterol.
"The key message is: what is good for the heart is good for the head. This message needs to be communicated in accessible ways to a diverse audience; social media has a key role."
David Thomas, head of policy and public affairs at Alzheimer's Research UK, said that the research highlights a gap in knowledge around dementia in Britain.
"The question is no longer whether awareness is too low – that's been established," he said. "But what can be done to help people understand how to keep their brains healthy and reduce their risk of dementia.
"We are calling on the Government to introduce a national dementia risk reduction campaign delivered through the NHS, so people can access clear, evidence-based information about protecting their brain health."
