Summary
A Yougov poll, commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society, indicates that more than four out of 10 people know – or have known – someone with dementia. The survey also indicates strong concern about dementia across all ages, not least amongst the young.
Of the 4,200 people who took part in the online poll, 44% said they knew, or had known, someone with dementia. 61% said they worried about themselves or someone they knew developing the disease.
16% overall wanted to know more about the condition. When 18-24 year-olds were asked, 25% wanted to know more.
Dementia Awareness Week™ (Remember the Person)
The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Awareness Week™ campaign (held in partnership with Saga Homecare) encourages people to “remember the person” by seeing beyond the medical diagnosis and engaging with personality within. The charity wants to help the public learn more about dementia by highlighting five things everyone should know about dementia (quotation):
- It is not a natural part of growing old.
- It is caused by diseases of the brain, the most common being Alzheimer’s Disease.
- It can affect thinking, communication and everyday tasks.
- It’s possible to live relatively well for some time.
- There’s more to each person than the dementia.
Read more: BBC News: Carey Mulligan supports bid to raise dementia awareness.
Reference
Brimelow A. (2012). Carey Mulligan supports bid to raise dementia awareness. London: BBC News, May 21st 2012.
