Dementia campaign to combat fears and ignorance

The survey, released to mark Dementia Awareness Week, found that 63 per cent of people are worried about dementia in some way, with 61 per cent concerned about themselves or someone they know developing the condition in later life.

But just 16 per cent want to know more about the condition, with 18 to 24-year-olds the most keen to learn more (25 per cent) in comparison with 15 per cent of over-55s.

The YouGov survey, commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society and Saga Homecare, found those aged 55 or over are the most worried (66 per cent), but dementia is worrying 61 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds.

It also found women are more concerned about dementia than men – 70 per cent compared with 56 per cent.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, 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 urged people to start understanding dementia during the awareness week, which is being held in partnership with Saga Homecare, which provides care for people who want to maintain their independence and stay in their own homes.

“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,” Mr Hughes added.

The YouGov poll surveyed 4,276 adults online between April 13 and 16.

It found 24 per cent of people said they are not worried about dementia at all, 23 per cent believe dementia is a result of old age, and 19 per cent of people believe there is nothing you can do to reduce your risk.

Just 18 per cent of people realise dementia is a terminal illness, the poll found, and 21 per cent think they have a good knowledge of dementia.

Caroline Woodhead, 55, from North Yorkshire, has Alzheimer’s disease and is one of the three faces of Dementia Awareness Week.

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 dementia better, we can break down these barriers and show that life does not end with a diagnosis.”

People who snore and suffer from disturbed sleep may have a heightened risk of dying from cancer, a study has shown.

Snoring is one of the main symptoms of sleep disordered breathing (SDB).

New research has shown an association between SDB and cancer death which increases with severity.

Study participants with severe SDB were almost five times more likely to die of cancer than those not affected by the problem.

Experts think the link may be due to breathing problems causing an inadequate supply of oxygen.