YouGov Survey

Awareness of dementia symptoms is lacking in the UK

Key Findings

• Almost half of people surveyed don’t realise that dementia is fatal
• GB adults are most concerned about having Alzheimer’s or dementia (38%) in the future

• 87% believe early detection of dementia can make a difference to their future health

We are dedicated to leading the way in dementia research and educating the public on the disease

The exclusive YouGov survey questioned 2049 adults in Britain about dementia. Whilst 81% of respondents said they knew the disease affected memory, awareness of other symptoms such as the impact the disease can have on mood and behaviour, was lacking. The survey revealed that:

• 49% of respondents were unaware that a person could die as a result of dementia
• 11% weren’t sure of what dementia symptoms were
• Only 62% realised that dementia can result in unexpected and uncharacteristic anger

YouGov survey highlights that awareness about the symptoms of dementia is low

Many people associate dementia mainly with memory loss. In fact, 81% of Brits think that difficulty remembering recent events is a symptom of dementia. Awareness of other symptoms among the British public is lacking. In addition, almost half (49%) of respondents surveyed didn’t realise that dementia is a fatal disease. Despite people fearing developing dementia or Alzheimer’s the most (38%) compared to cancer (26%) and heart disease (6%), many people are still unaware of symptoms of the disease beyond memory loss.

Early diagnosis is key to improving long-term health outcomes

It was reassuring to discover that 87% of respondents believed that early detection of dementia can make a difference to the future health of the individual. At Re:Cognition Health, we are committed to providing people with an early, accurate diagnosis of their cognitive symptoms.

Dr Emer MacSweeney, CEO and Medical Director of Re:Cognition Health, comments: “Early intervention and accurate diagnosis of the specific cause of a person’s dementia is key to ensuring the individual receives access to the correct and best treatment, at the earliest stage. In order to receive an early diagnosis, it is essential to recognise symptoms as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the survey highlights that the general public is not yet sufficiently well informed.”

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Volunteers can gain access to new generation medications designed to slow down the progression of the Alzheimer’s Disease and its symptoms. Existing medications, available through the health service, can manage only the symptoms, rather than slow their otherwise relentless, progression.

Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms of cognitive impairment

Dr MacSweeney says: “There is a difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms of cognitive impairment such as memory loss, change in mood and behaviour, difficulty with language and decision making, which have progressed to a stage where the individual is no longer able to undertake all their daily activities independently. Alzheimer’s is one cause of dementia, whilst vascular dementia and Parkinson’s Disease are other causes. It’s important to get an early diagnosis of the individual’s exact cause of dementia in order to access appropriate treatment.”