Quarter of Over-40s Unaware of Dementia Risk Factors

Around one in four people in the UK over the age of 40 are unable to name one habit or health condition that can increase the risk of developing dementia, according to a survey.The lack of awareness is depriving millions of people of the chance to take simple steps to protect their brain health, the Alzheimer’s Society warned.It is estimated that there are around 982,000 people with dementia in the UK, although a third do not have a formal diagnosis. The figure is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.The lifestyle habits that increase the risk of developing dementia include high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and drinking too much alcohol, along with conditions such as hearing loss, depression, and type 2 diabetes.However, the poll of 1393 people in the UK, conducted on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society, found 26% could not name one of these risk factors. Fewer than a third (32%) knew that high blood pressure can increase dementia risk, while 24% identified high cholesterol as a risk.Meanwhile, just one in five (21%) were aware of growing evidence that 45% 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 Loss and Blood Pressure Among Overlooked Risk Factors The survey found over-40s could be living with potential risk factors. Four in 10 told the poll their hearing had worsened in the last 5 years, while only a third had had their hearing checked in that time.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.”David Thomas, head of policy and public affairs at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: “These findings from the Alzheimer's Society confirm what our own research found earlier this year: the UK has a dementia awareness gap, and too many people still see dementia as an inevitable part of ageing."The question is no longer whether awareness is too low — that’s been established — 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.”