Half of Britons do not have a plan to pay for their care if they develop dementia, Zurich Life has discovered.
Only 10% have critical illness cover, while 7% would rely on another form of insurance, the survey found.
Zurich UK also discovered a financial planning gap. The cost of care for severe dementia cases averages £81,000 a year, but 11% of respondents fell short believing that they would only need £20,000 a year.
Yet the survey found that 39% do not know how much money they would need if the worst was to happen.
Reduce the risk
It is estimated that there will be more than one million dementia sufferers in the UK by 2030, with one in three people born today expected to develop the condition.
But most Britons do not know that they can reduce their risk of developing dementia.
Indeed, almost half of dementia cases (45%) could be delayed or prevented by addressing 14 risks. Yet almost seven in 10 do not know that lifestyle changes can reduce their risk of developing the condition.
Risk factors for the condition include brain injury, excessive alcohol consumption, social isolation, smoking, physical inactivity and depression.
Other causes include poor education early in life, uncorrected vision loss, hearing loss, air pollution, high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.
The truth about dementia
While six in 10 people (59%) worry about developing dementia, only two-fifths (43%) regularly look for symptoms with a fifth of people concerned when they forget something.
More than half (56%) believe that the Covid pandemic has made them more aware of their health.
The research also uncovered some misconceptions about the condition, including that 45% of the population believe a lack of sleep is a cause, with a further 41% see chemical exposure is an issue.
Vitamin deficiencies (37%), dehydration (28%), aluminium (22%) and poor dental hygiene (20%) are other misconceptions.
Change the story
Michelle Dyson, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society said that Zurich’s findings underscore the need for greater public education about dementia and the practical steps people can take to reduce their risk.
“Research suggests that nearly half of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors – a reminder that everyday choices genuinely matter.
“Regular exercise, avoiding smoking, tackling hearing loss and managing long‑term conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, all play a meaningful role.
“Taking a holistic approach to overall health remains one of the most effective ways we currently know to support brain health as we age.”
Peter Hamilton, head of market engagement at Zurich UK, added that too many people still believe dementia is an inevitable part of aging, which it isn’t.
“Our research highlights a clear gap between the public’s growing concern and their awareness of what they can do to reduce their risk.
“By improving understanding and encouraging earlier action, both in terms of looking after health and finances, people can feel more in control of their future.
“There is a real opportunity to change the story on dementia – by improving awareness of preventable risk factors, enhancing the care currently available for those living with dementia, and supporting research that will lead to earlier diagnosis and the development of disease modifying treatments.”