'Nearly 2 in 3 people worried about dementia'
Published on 21 May 2012 10:30 AM
Almost two-thirds of us are concerned about developing dementia, according to a recent survey released to mark Dementia Awareness Week.
The YouGov poll, commissioned by the Alzheimer's Society, found that 61% of people are worried about themselves or someone they know developing dementia later in life.
In total, 63% of respondents said they were concerned about the condition, while just under a quarter (24%) said they were not.
People aged over 55 were found to be the most worried (66%), yet despite this only 15% of them wanted to know more about dementia. In contrast, the condition is worrying 61% of 18 to 24-year-olds, with 25% of that age group eager to discover more.
Men (70%) were also revealed to be more concerned about dementia than women (56%).
Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Only through knowing more will we ensure the people with the condition are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.'
The survey also revealed that 23% of people believe dementia to be the result of old age, while 19% believe that nothing can be done to reduce the risk of developing the condition.
Copyright Press Association 2012