A recent poll has revealed that only one in three Britons are aware they can reduce their risk of developing dementia, despite the majority expressing concern about the condition. Six in ten adults (59 per cent) say they worry about a diagnosis, with four in ten (43 per cent) regularly looking for symptoms. This anxiety is so pervasive that one in five (20 per cent) become alarmed when they merely forget something trivial, such as their keys or a person's name.
Pandemic Heightens Health Awareness
Concern about dementia has likely intensified in recent years, as over half (56 per cent) of respondents say the Covid-19 pandemic made them more health-conscious. Meanwhile, half (50 per cent) of the population now knows someone with dementia or cares for someone who does, according to the survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by OnePoll.
Defeating Dementia Campaign
The Daily Mail and Alzheimer's Society have partnered in a drive to combat dementia, which claims 76,000 lives annually and stands as the UK's biggest killer. The Defeating Dementia campaign aims to raise awareness, boost early diagnosis, enhance research, and improve care. The survey underscores the campaign's necessity, as only one in nine respondents (11 per cent) correctly identified dementia as the leading cause of death in the UK, while four in ten (41 per cent) erroneously believed it was cancer.
Michelle Dyson, chief executive of Alzheimer's Society, stated that the findings 'underscore the need for greater public education about dementia and the practical steps people can take to reduce their risk'. Dementia cases are projected to exceed one million by 2030, with one in three people born today expected to develop it in their lifetime.
Risk Factors and Misconceptions
Research indicates that approximately half (45 per cent) of all dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 risk factors. However, only a third of people (32 per cent) believe this is possible. While many recognise risk factors such as traumatic brain injury (64 per cent), excessive alcohol consumption (50 per cent), social isolation (50 per cent), smoking (45 per cent), physical inactivity (45 per cent), and depression (42 per cent), fewer could identify others. These include poor quality of education in early life (13 per cent), uncorrected vision loss (20 per cent), hearing loss (25 per cent), air pollution (25 per cent), high cholesterol (29 per cent), diabetes (31 per cent), obesity (31 per cent), and high blood pressure (37 per cent).
Misconceptions about dementia also persist, with respondents wrongly linking it to lack of sleep (45 per cent), chemical exposure (41 per cent), vitamin deficiencies (37 per cent), dehydration (28 per cent), aluminium (22 per cent), and poor dental hygiene (20 per cent).
The Importance of Lifestyle Choices
Michelle Dyson added: 'Research suggests that nearly half of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors – a reminder that everyday choices genuinely matter. Regular exercise, avoiding smoking, tackling hearing loss, and managing long-term conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes all play a meaningful role.' She emphasised that 'taking a holistic approach to overall health remains one of the most effective ways we currently know to support brain health as we age.'
Desire for Early Knowledge
Half of those polled (50 per cent) said they would want to know in advance if they were going to develop dementia in later life. The primary reasons for this include spending more time with loved ones (47 per cent), planning care and finances (both 45 per cent), improving their health (40 per cent), documenting memories (39 per cent), and travelling more (38 per cent).
Financial Planning Gap
The survey also highlights a concerning gap in financial planning. Most respondents estimate dementia care costs at around £20,000 per year (11 per cent), while 39 per cent admit they do not know. In reality, care costs for severe cases of dementia can average £81,000 per year – £60,000 more than most estimates – with even mild cases averaging £29,000. Nearly half of those surveyed (49 per cent) admitted they have no financial plan to meet future care expenses. A quarter (25 per cent) said they would depend on income, savings, and pensions, while one in ten (11 per cent) would have to sell their home. Only 7 per cent said they are relying on an insurance payout, and just 10 per cent have a critical illness insurance policy.
Peter Hamilton, head of market engagement at Zurich UK, which commissioned the polling, commented: 'Too many people still believe dementia is an inevitable part of aging, which it isn't. By improving understanding and encouraging earlier action both in terms of looking after health and finances, people can feel more in control of their future.'
