Assessing the awareness and understanding of the risk factors of dementia amongst adults in the UK

Abstract

Dementia is a growing public issue, particularly as life expectancy increases. Therefore, looking at ways to reduce the risk of dementia is something that could contribute to reducing the pressure on the healthcare system. The aim of the project was to assess the current awareness and understanding of the risk factors of dementia amongst adults in the UK.

An online survey administered through different social media platforms was used to identify trends in data that influenced adults' awareness and understanding of dementia risk factors. This quantitative methodology allowed for the investigation of data to describe relationships between variables. The survey found that from the total 207 participants, the highest proportion of respondents (38%) were aged 18-25 and were from a healthcare and medical professional background (23%). They identified multiple types of dementia, with 40% of those over 50 choosing 3-5 types, which showed good understanding. Most respondents agreed that dementia progression was difficult in later stages, with struggles identified with movement (84%), eating and drinking (60.4%), and speech (42%). The majority correctly identified depression (12%), excessive drinking (11%), and social isolation (11%) as significant risk factors. They also believed a healthy lifestyle could lower dementia risk. However, the awareness of dementia and risk factors through different promotional platforms was low. Healthcare platforms were identified as the primary source of dementia knowledge, with a preference for billboards, GP, and Instagram being used to promote dementia awareness. Moreover, the significance of Admiral Nurses (Specialist Dementia Nurses) was acknowledged by both carers and ex-carers.

The study highlights the importance of bridging the gap in knowledge about risk factors among the public. Recommendations include exploring more recent studies on public awareness, understanding, and sources of knowledge. It is suggested that promoting not only the risk factors but also the side effects of dementia is necessary to increase public understanding and support those struggling. Further investigation into the significance of Admiral Nurses and a larger sample size is recommended to identify patterns and significance in different categories.