Alzheimer’s Society publish research on public awareness of dementia risk factors
The Alzheimer’s Society has published survey results documenting public awareness of dementia risk factors.
Data from the survey includes:
- Only 21% of adults aged over 40 were aware that up to 45% of dementia cases may be linked to factors that can be prevented, treated or modified.
- Just 32% of over-40s recognised that high blood pressure can increase dementia risk, with only 24% identifying high cholesterol and 21% recognising hearing loss as risk factors.
In addition, the survey showed that many people may be living with potentially unaddressed risk factors, including hearing loss and social isolation.
Michelle Dyson CB, Alzheimer’s Society CEO, says:
“These new findings show that many people are not aware of the factors they can influence to help reduce their risk of developing dementia, the UK’s biggest killer.
As a result, millions of people are missing the chance to take simple steps today that could help protect their brain health tomorrow, from getting their hearing checked to managing their blood pressure. By helping people to understand their risks and the actions they can take, we have a meaningful opportunity to reduce the number of people affected by dementia in the future.”
Read more here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/news/2026-08-26/new-research-reveals-one-four-over-40s-cant-name-single-risk-factor-dementia