Dementia not taken seriously enough, finds survey

Dementia is the most joked-about medical condition, a poll commissioned by the Alzheimer's Society has revealed, despite fewer than one in ten people finding such jokes acceptable.

Nearly a quarter of people said they hear jokes about dementia, according to the survey, which was released to coincide with Dementia Awareness Week.

"Dementia is a devastating condition which can happen to anyone," said Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society.

"We must tackle this lack of understanding if we are to ensure people with dementia are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve."

The society is using Dementia Awareness Week to encourage people to remember that there is a person behind every medical condition, and has released ten tips on supporting a family affected by dementia.

Recently, the society said paying for dementia treatment will be equivalent to a new tax unless a "charging revolution" is achieved, due to the ageing population.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.