What you need to know about dementia
A survey commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society and Saga Homecare shows that dementia is a massive worry for many of us. New survey findings have been released to mark Dementia Awareness Week and make very interesting reading.
People of all ages and of both sexes have concerns about dementia. This is supported by the YouGov survey findings which show that:-
- 61% of people are worried about either themselves or someone they know developing dementia later in life
- 63% of people said that they worried about dementia in some way
- 66% of people aged 55 or over are the most worried about dementia
- 61% of those aged between 18-24 worry about dementia
- 70% of all women worry about dementia
- 56% of all men worry about dementia
The Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, Jeremy Hughes said ‘Dementia is the biggest challenge facing the UK today so it’s not surprising that people are so worried. There is currently no cure and people aren’t getting the care they deserve. However we know that with the right support people can live well with the condition for a number of years.’
He added ‘This Dementia Awareness Week we need to stop worrying and start understanding dementia. Whether you have five minutes or half an hour – please take some time to learn about dementia. Only through knowing more will we ensure the people with the condition are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.’
One of the three faces of Dementia Awareness Week is Caroline Woodhead from North Yorkshire. Caroline, 55, has Alzheimer’s disease. She said ‘Before I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease I used to worry about it too. Now I have it. I’d rather I didn’t have it but I don’t dwell on it. People don’t realise it’s possible to live well with dementia. I was diagnosed at the age of 52 and I still enjoy life – I can sing, drive, go for walks and use a computer. I would encourage everyone to find out more about the condition this Dementia Awareness Week. By understanding better, we can break down these barriers and show that life does not end with a diagnosis.’
Dementia Awareness Week is being held in partnership between the Alzheimer’s Society and Saga Homecare. Homecare is part of the Saga group which provides care at home for people who want to maintain their independence and stay in their own homes.
The Alzheimer’s Society is using Dementia Awareness Week to encourage people to ‘remember a person’ by seeing beyond someone’s diagnosis. The charity is helping us to learn more about dementia by promoting five key thing that we all should know. They are:
- It's not a natural part of growing old.
- It's caused by diseases of the brain. The most common of these is Alzheimer's.
- It's not just about losing your memory - it can affect thinking, communicating and doing everyday tasks.
- It's possible to live well with it.
- There's more to a person than the dementia.
Other key findings from the poll show that there is still much misunderstanding surrounding the condition:
- 23 per cent of people believe dementia is a result of old age
- 19 per cent of people believe there is nothing you can do to reduce your risk
- Only 18 per cent of people realise dementia is a terminal illness
A saddenening statistic is that only 21 per cent of people think they have a good knowledge of dementia. With this level of unawareness we urge you to share this video and information with your friends and family.
The Alzheimer's society website can be found here.
