One in five people unaware of ways to reduce dementia risk

According to a new YouGov poll, commissioned by the Alzheimer's Society, more than one in five people don't think it's possible to reduce the risk of developing dementia. 

The study revealed 22 per cent of the general public are unaware that an active, healthy lifestyle can avoid the chances of developing dementia and by making easy changes they can reduce the chances of putting themselves at risk. 

Dr Clare Walton from the Alzheimer's Society said: "800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, but with no cure yet, we need a significant public health effort to attempt to reduce the number of future cases of the condition. It is never too early to start making healthier choices that could help your memory." 

The Alzheimers Society has stated five simple ways in which individuals can remain active and healthy and therefore lower their chances of developing the condition.

Exercise, introducing mediterranean food into your diet, managing other health conditions, such as diabetes, avoiding smoking and challenging your brain are all contributing factors  to reduce the risks of developing the disease and keep the mind and body fully functional. 

Ruth Langsford, Alzheimer's Society Ambassador and presenter of ITV's This Morning, spoke about the condition, saying: "My wonderful dad had dementia, so naturally I have concerns that I might get it too. Like a number of us, I didn't realise until recently that there are simple things you start doing straight away to reduce your risk."

The Alzheimer's Society is a membership organisation that helps over 86,000 people with dementia and of that number, half have Alzheimer's disease. 

According to statistics released by the society, in less than ten years a million people with be living with dementia. Therefore, the association is pledged to offering support and help to improving the quality of life to those living with dementia, along with their families and carers. 

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.