Study claims spouses of people with dementia at risk too
Published 5 May 2010
Partners of people with dementia are more likely to develop dementia than adults whose spouse does not have the condition according to an article in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
'Two people living the same lifestyle may be exposed to the same risk factors so it could be possible that spouses both develop dementia. However there has been limited research in this area and more is needed to determine which people are the most vulnerable. By keeping a healthy weight, getting regular exercise throughout your life and managing blood pressure and cholesterol from 35 onwards you can reduce your risk of developing dementia by up to 20 per cent.'
'A million more people are set to develop dementia in the next 10 years yet dementia research is desperately under-funded. We must invest more if we are to move forward in our understanding and treatment of this devastating condition.'
Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Research ref: 'Greater risk of dementia when spouse has dementia? The cache counter study' by Maria C. Norton et al. Published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, May 2010. 2,442 people aged 65 plus without dementia were studied for up to 12 years.
- Ends -
Notes to editors
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today
and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary
donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling
0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
