Response To YouGov Poll: Poll Welcomed And Major Mental Decline Is Far From Inevitable In Older Age, UK

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Mental Health;  Seniors / Aging;  Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 30 Sep 2007 - 14:00 PDT

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In response to today's YouGov poll reporting a lack of public awareness about Alzheimer's disease and dementia, Dr Lorna Layward, Research Manager of the Help the Aged biomedical Research into Ageing programme, says:

'The findings from today's YouGov poll give cause for concern, highlighting that the public has little awareness of dementia, and that most people assume memory loss is a natural part of ageing. People should not assume that mental decline is inevitable. We age in different ways and exercise, eating well and staying active can all help us retain mental and physical health throughout our life.

At the moment 750,000 people in the UK are affected by Alzheimer's or dementia and this is expected to double by 2030, causing a tragic loss of independence as well as considerable stress and heartache for all involved. It is therefore crucial that much more funding is made available for research that can increase our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, both to develop better treatments, and preferably to prevent mental decline, as well as better inform the public about preventative measures and how to be healthier in later life.'

Help the Aged research shows that mental decline ranks as the UK's number one health concern associated with ageing which is why the Charity is working to raise funds for its project called The Disconnected Mind, a scientific study aiming to uncover the causes of mental deterioration in later life and find ways to prevent them. Donations are urgently required and can be made to The Disconnected Mind Appeal on 020 7239 1982 or disconnectedmind@helptheaged.org.uk.

Help the Aged is the charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people in the UK and overseas from poverty, isolation, neglect and ageism. It campaigns to raise public awareness of the issues affecting older people and to bring about policy change.

The Charity delivers a range of services: information and advice, home support and community living, including international development work. These are supported by its paid-for services and fundraising activities - which aim to increase funding in the future to respond to the growing unmet needs of disadvantaged older people.

Help the Aged also funds vital research into the health issues and experiences of older people to improve the quality of later life.

Help the Aged urgently needs donations and support to help it in the increasingly challenging fight to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect.

http://www.helptheaged.org.uk

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