The Alzheimer’s Society has warned that many people are not aware of the factors that can reduce their risk of developing dementia, the UK’s biggest killer. A survey conducted on behalf of the charity found that one in four people in the UK over the age of 40 are unable to name a single preventable risk factor or health condition linked to the disease.
Eight known risk factors
Health experts have identified eight lifestyle habits and conditions that increase the risk of developing dementia: high blood pressure, smoking, lack of exercise, drinking too much alcohol, obesity, hearing loss, depression and type 2 diabetes.
There are around 982,000 people with dementia in the UK, according to the charity. Although a third do not have a formal diagnosis, the figure is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.
Survey findings
The poll of 1,393 people in the UK, conducted on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society, found that 26 per cent could not name one of these risk factors. Fewer than a third (32 per cent) knew that high blood pressure can increase dementia risk, while 24 per cent identified high cholesterol as a risk.
Just one in five (21 per cent) were aware of growing evidence that 45 per cent of dementia cases may be linked to factors that can be prevented or treated.
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.”
Hearing checks and expert advice
The survey found that over-40s could be living with potential risk factors. Four in 10 told the poll their hearing had worsened in the last five years, while only a third had had their hearing checked in that time.
Ms Dyson added: “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.”
Ian Maidment, 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 a 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.”
