Health experts have identified eight preventable risk factors and health conditions linked to dementia, yet a survey suggests many people remain unaware of them. A poll of 1,393 people in the UK, conducted for the Alzheimer’s Society, found that 26 per cent of respondents over the age of 40 could not name a single risk factor.

The known lifestyle habits and conditions that increase dementia risk include:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Hearing loss
• Depression
• Type 2 diabetes

The survey found that fewer than a third (32 per cent) of participants knew high blood pressure can increase dementia risk, while 24 per cent identified high cholesterol as a risk. Only 21 per cent were aware of evidence suggesting 45 per cent of dementia cases may be linked to factors that can be prevented or treated.

There are approximately 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK, though one third do not have a formal diagnosis. This figure is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.

Regarding hearing health, four in 10 respondents reported their hearing had worsened in the last five years, but only a third had had their hearing checked during that period.

“These new findings show that many people are not aware of the factors they can influence to help reduce their risk of developing dementia, the UK’s biggest killer,” said Michelle Dyson, chief executive at the Alzheimer’s Society.

Ian Maidment, professor in clinical pharmacy at Aston University, noted that managing diseases such as high blood pressure and raised cholesterol can help reduce risk.

“The key message is: what is good for the heart is good for the head,”

he said.