Eight in 10 adults believe dementia is still misunderstood, according to research. Despite it being increasingly common, misconceptions remain because of a lack of knowledge or embarrassment, the poll of 2,000 Brits found.
Seven in 10 (69 percent) believe it is a subject which is not talked about enough in society, with 73 percent putting this down to being uninformed.
Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) associate it with memory loss, but just 48 percent are aware it can affect a person’s personality.
And six in 10 were not aware that those living with dementia can develop a lack of social awareness, while 89 percent didn’t know it can also affect dietary preferences.
The research was commissioned by Care UK, which has launched “The Big Dementia Conversation“, in a bid to encourage people to talk more frequently about the condition.
The care providers will be hosting free, public events to help local communities understand more about living well with dementia, and offer a safe space to talk.
Suzanne Mumford, head of nursing, care, and dementia for Care UK, said: “While much has been done in the way of raising awareness of dementia, there are still a lot of things people don’t know, or aren’t comfortable talking about – especially when it comes to how a person behaves, which is often linked to a change in perception.
“Many families expect their loved ones to be a bit different once the condition starts progressing, but very few are prepared for some of the more unusual personality changes. For example, it’s not uncommon for people’s tastes and preferences to change.”
The biggest misconception Brits feel about dementia is that it only affects people in their 60s or above (36 percent) – with others including that it is always associated with memory loss (23 percent), and that it can be cured (13 percent).
As a result of these misbeliefs, 57 percent would like to know more about the available support and care, while 50 percent would be interested to learn more about the timeframes of the illness, and how long it takes to fully develop.
It also emerged only one in 10 claim to be “very familiar” with the signs that someone may be experiencing dementia.
The research found 31 percent would be more willing to talk about their finances than potential dementia, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
One in four (24 percent) would prefer to discuss their general mental health, while 23 percent would rather chat about relationship issues.
And while 61 percent think conversations around mental health have become more mainstream in recent years, only 21 percent feel the same about dementia.
Suzanne Mumford added: “Dementia affects millions of lives – not just those diagnosed, but also their families and friends.
“This is why we believe supporting families and carers is just as essential as supporting the person living with dementia – and by talking openly about it, we can reduce stigma and create a supportive community.
“Supporting people with dementia requires a societal challenge, not just for older people, but for everyone. We need to start the conversation and talk about it openly, to take action to build a more compassionate and inclusive world for all.
“We’d like to encourage people across the country to visit their nearest care home, or attend one of our events, to find out more about the condition.”
