According to studies, smoking, too much drinking, and inactivity are the main causes of dementia. However, only 25 percent of adults in the United Kingdom are aware of the risks, says research.
Alzheimer's Research UK discovered that only 25 percent of adults know that the dementia can be prevented through healthier living. This is compared to 83 percent who are aware that lifestyle affects diabetes and 82 percent on heart disease, as reported by The Sun.
Another quiz was done to 2,000 people. Half of them said that they are now aware, and they would act to prevent the disease.
"There are measures people can take now that could lower their risk," said Hilary Evans, head of Alzheimer's Research UK. "What's good for your heart is also good for your head, and with the number of people with dementia on the rise it is vital the message reaches people," she added.
Prof. Alistair Burns, NHS England dementia expert suggests cutting down smoking, alcohol and eating junk foods. Prof. Kevin Fenton of Public Health England stated that dementia is not part of aging and making better or healthy choices today can lower the risk.
"These figures show that public understanding of dementia risk factors is low, and we must work to change that if we are to help reduce the number of people developing the condition," said Burns, commenting on figures, according to News.com.
He added that the figures suggest that many people would like to make lifestyle choices to reduce their dementia risk when given the right information. However, too few people accept that they may be able to create an impact. People must be equipped with knowledge they need to make good choices in their lifestyle.
Currently, there are around 850,000 British have dementia. It is however, expected to increase to 1 million in ten years.
