Public not aware of simple steps they can take to reduce risk of dementia, according to new research study

Over a quarter (28%) of people believed brain training and crosswords to be the best way to reduce the risk of developing dementia, despite the jury still being out on whether this can be effective.

Dr Anne Corbett, Alzheimer's Society's Research Manager, said:

'This research shows that many people don't realise physical activity can have a real impact in determining whether you develop dementia. Along with moderating alcohol intake, maintaining a regular weight and not smoking, taking regular exercise can actually reduce your dementia risk by up to a third.'

Exercising can not only reduce a person's risk of developing dementia, but can also prevent other diseases related to lifestyle. 3,500 people will take part in the Bupa Great North Run on 18 September to support Alzheimer's Society, Bupa's nominated charity for a third consecutive year.'

Dr Graham Stokes, Bupa's Director of Dementia Care said:

'Lots of people believe that dementia is an inevitable part of old age - that's not the case at all and there's lots people can do to reduce their risk. Just 30 minutes of physical activity, five times a week will help reduce your risk of not only dementia, but also heart disease and diabetes. It doesn't have to be a vigorous workout - you can find ways to fit being active into your daily routine, such as walking, gardening or swimming.'

'If you're up for a challenge, supporting the Alzheimer's charities in a Bupa Great Run means you can get fit, help reduce your risk of dementia and raise money for a very worthwhile cause. As the UK's leading provider of dementia care, we're very pleased to be supporting Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland for a third year.'

Over 19,000 people have taken part in a Bupa Great Run for Alzheimer's Society in the last two years, raising over £2 million.  The aim is to raise over £3.5 million by the end of the year.

 -Ends-

Notes to editors:

• The YouGov poll asked over 2,000 people what they thought was the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing dementia, and also found:
• 25 per cent of those surveyed believed that there was nothing at all that could be done
• Almost a third of women surveyed believed the development of dementia to be hereditary
• 82 per cent of women cited their biggest concern about living with dementia to be being able to manage their finances
• 73 per cent of women surveyed worry about the impact of having dementia on being able to care for their children
• Runner case studies are available on request. To arrange, please contact Caroline Davy, Bupa Great Runs Press Officer on 0207 423 3595, caroline.davy@alzheimers.org.uk
  

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2,079 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 16th - 18th March 2011.  The survey was carried out online.  The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

For enquiries please contact:

Alzheimer's Society                                      Bupa                         
Caroline Davy                                               Joanne Hudson
T. 020 7423 3595                                         T. 020 7656 2273                              
E. press@alzheimers.org.uk                         E. joanne.hudson@bupa.com

Bupa and Alzheimer's Society work together on a range of projects to deliver expert dementia care and support research.

Alzheimer's Society

• 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 less than 10 years nearly 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 needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting www.alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk

Bupa

• Bupa's purpose is to help people lead longer, healthier, happier lives.
• A leading international healthcare group, we offer personal and company health insurance, run care homes for older people and hospitals, and provide workplace health services, health assessments and chronic disease management services, including health coaching and home healthcare.
• With no shareholders, we invest our profits to provide more and better healthcare. We are committed to making quality, patient-centred, affordable healthcare more accessible in the areas of wellness, chronic disease management and ageing.
• Employing nearly 52,000 people, Bupa has operations around the world, principally in the UK, Australia, Spain, New Zealand and the USA, as well as Hong Kong, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, India, China and across Latin America.
• For more information, visit www.bupa.com.