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Dementia worry bigger than cancer

 

16 September 2009

Being diagnosed with dementia is one of Britain’s’ biggest worries, a survey by Bupa has revealed. Over 58 percent of over 55s surveyed*, said they were concerned about developing dementia in later life, more than those concerned about contracting diseases such as cancer.

The statistics bring to life the reality of ageing in the UK and highlight people’s concerns around dementia and the quality of dementia care available. Worryingly, most of those surveyed did not even know where to get information about specialist dementia care homes, or even how they would pay for this type of care should they eventually need it.

When asked what health worries they were most concerned about when they got older:

  • 58% worried about developing dementia
  • 51% were afraid of becoming physically frail
  • 47% are concerned about getting cancer
  • 47% of having a heart attack

Speaking on the eve of World Alzheimer's Day, Dr Graham Stokes, head of mental health for Bupa Care Services, said: “These results show the real worry that dementia causes. More people are getting dementia and are living longer with the condition, and this will be so for decades to come. It is vital that people are familiar with the signs and symptoms of dementia and receive an early diagnosis so they are able to prepare and plan for the future.”

This year Bupa is investing £40 million in its UK care homes – including opening three new specialist dementia care homes in Malvern, Southampton and Stratford-upon-Avon. It is estimated that over 1.7million people will have developed dementia by 2051.

Bupa is the leading provider of care homes in the UK, caring for almost 7,000 people who are living with dementia. The company is working with the Alzheimer’s Society to bring the Dementia Champions programme to Bupa care homes across the UK. The advanced dementia training that both nurses and care staff undergo gives residents with dementia an expert specialist level of care.

Kath Turpin, a Dementia Champion Nurse at Bupa’s Copperhill nursing home, said: “Bupa and the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Champions Training programme is providing huge benefits for the residents we care for. It enables us to understand much more about dementia to continue to provide a safe and understanding home for those who suffer from it. It also means we can help our residents enjoy an even better quality of life.”

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