Bristol dementia charity urging people to protect brain health
New research reveals around a quarter of people can't name one risk factor for dementia
A charity in Bristol warns that some lifestyle habits - like smoking and a lack of exercise - can increase the risk of developing dementia.
It’s as new research reveals 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.
The Alzheimer’s Society has warned that the lack of awareness is depriving millions of people of the chance to take simple steps to protect their brain health.
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 the condition include high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and drinking too much alcohol.
Hearing loss, depression and type 2 diabetes are also directly linked to developing dementia.
Lisa Dicker, from Bristol Dementia Action Alliance, says more awareness is needed as dementia can be preventable.
She said: “It's still a taboo subject with a lot of people. They don't like to talk about dementia. It's a pretty scary subject.
“It's also the lack of understanding. The fact that most people think if your parent or a family member has dementia, then you're going to get it as well - when in fact that's not necessarily true. It's quite rare for it to be genetic."
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.”
Ms 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.”