Only 2% of UK Can Identify Dementia Risk Factors

26 Oct 2016 --- Just 2% of people in Britain can identify all the health and lifestyle factors that can increase risk of developing dementia, according to a new report from the British Social Attitudes survey, commissioned by Public Health England (PHE). 

With growing evidence that a third of dementia cases could be a result of factors potentially withiin our control, such taking regular exercise, not smoking and good nutrition, there is increasing evidence that there is huge room potential prevention of the condition.

The survey asked the public if they could identify any of the following dementia risk factors: heavy drinking, smoking, high blood pressure, depression and diabetes as well as the protective factor of taking regular exercise, and found just 2% of the public is able to identify all of them. 

The study also found that more than 1 in 4 people in Britain incorrectly believe that there is nothing anyone can do to reduce their risks of getting dementia. Respondents were asked whether they agreed with the statement “there is nothing anyone can do to reduce their risks of getting dementia”, and 27% incorrectly agree that there is nothing anyone can do; a further 26% neither agree nor disagree; and only 43% correctly disagreed with the statement.

Dr Charles Alessi, Senior Dementia Advisor at PHE, said: “Dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing.”

“What’s good for the heart is good for the brain and simple steps like giving up smoking, reducing alcohol intake, losing weight and taking regular exercise can reduce your risk of developing dementia in the future.”

“In the absence of a cure for dementia, prevention is the best means we have to reduce its impact on the public. Today’s findings highlight the importance of PHE’s work on the NHS Health Check dementia pilot and campaigns like One You, which raise awareness of the fact it’s never too late to take control of your health and provide adults with personalized tools with which to do it.”

Dr Matthew Norton, Director of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Public awareness of the risk factors for dementia is essential for empowering people to make changes that may lower their chances of developing the condition.”

“While we don’t yet have sure-fire preventions, research suggests keeping healthy from mid-life could help reduce the risk of dementia. With 850,000 people already living with dementia in the UK, we must do all we can to help people understand the risk factors for dementia now if we are to influence dementia rates in the future.”