Older People Fear Dementia More Than Cancer New Saga Survey Reveals
To mark Dementia Awareness Week, Saga releases new data that shows that 43% of over 50s list dementia as their most feared disease, ahead of cancer (30%) or a stroke (12%).
In a survey of more than 9,000 over 50s, the Saga Populus Poll shows that the not only are over 50s more fearful of this condition than virtually any other, as people age and have more exposure to the condition they are even more likely to be worried about either themselves or their loved ones developing the condition.
Women, who are often the main care-givers, were also 20% more likely to be worried about developing the condition than their male counterparts.
Lisa Harris, head of communications for Saga Healthcare commented “For many the fear of a dementia diagnosis could well prevent them from seeking early medical intervention. However an early diagnosis and access to the right information could help slow down its progression and really help people live-well with the disease.”
When asked which, if any of the following, illnesses/conditions would you be the most fearful of developing yourself respondents answered as follows. Further conditions were listed but drew minimal responses.
| Total | Male | Female | 50-59 | 60-69 | 70-79 | 80-89 | 90+ | |
| Dementia | 43% | 39% | 47% | 40% | 43% | 43% | 42% | 45% |
| Cancer | 30% | 34% | 25% | 35% | 32% | 26% | 22% | 18% |
| Stroke | 12% | 11% | 13% | 9% | 12% | 13% | 11% | 5% |
| Heart condition | 2% | 3% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 5% |
| Depression | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
| Emphysema | 1% | 1% | 1% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 1% | – |
| Diabetes | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | – |
Information about the symptoms to look out for, how to live well with Dementia and how to access care and support are available at saga.co.uk.
