2 out of 3 Britons 'concerned about dementia'

Nearly two-thirds of people here are worried about developing dementia, a poll has found. The survey, released Monday to mark Dementia Awareness Week, found that 63% of people are worried about dementia in some way - with 61% concerned about themselves or someone they know developing the condition in later life. But just 16% want to know more about the condition, with 18 to 24-year-olds the most keen to learn more (25%) in comparison with 15% of over-55s. The YouGov survey, commissioned by the Alzheimer's Society found those aged 55 or over are the most worried (66%), but dementia is worrying 61% of 18 to 24-year-olds. It also found women are more concerned about dementia than men - 70% compared with 56%. 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. The YouGov poll surveyed 4,276 adults online between April 13 and 16. It found 24% of people said they are not worried about dementia at all, 23% believe dementia is a result of old age, and 19% of people believe there is nothing you can do to reduce your risk. Just 18% of people realise dementia is a terminal illness, the poll found, and 21% think they have a good knowledge of dementia. Dementia is a serious loss of global cognitive ability in a previously unimpaired person, beyond what might be expected from normal aging. It may be static, the result of a unique global brain injury, or progressive, resulting in long-term decline due to damage or disease in the body.