Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
29 October 2014 10:15
The social stigma surrounding dementia is hindering diagnosis and care, a report warns
A new report calls for increased awareness over dementia, to help eradicate the social stigma reported by many sufferers of the condition.
According to the Medical Research Council's (MRC) study, a quarter of people with the disease feel the need to disguise their condition or shy away from addressing the early signs for fear of the reaction they may receive.
This in turn is holding back diagnosis, care and research into how the disease first develops, according to Professor Hugh Perry, chairman of the MRC's neuroscience and mental health board.
Awareness campaigns for diseases such as HIV and cancer have shown that illnesses do not need to carry stigmas. People with dementia can still live a normal, healthy lifestyle and can continue to enjoy holidays abroad with the security provided by travel insurance tailored for those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Prof. Perry adds that with the right messages to help people understand the roots and causes of the disease, the stigma surrounding dementia can be "stamped out" completely.
The research, which was co-commissioned by think-tank International Longevity Centre UK and involved Alzheimer's Research UK, interviewed people who had been diagnosed with dementia, as well as relatives and health professionals.
The charity's workers said they too often receive reports from people with dementia reporting feelings of isolation after diagnosis.
George McNamara, head of policy and public affairs at Alzheimer's Society, said some of those contacting the charity face "an unacceptable level of stigma and in some cases lost friends and social network".
He describes it as a totally unacceptable, yet avoidable situation for dementia sufferers. Despite the progress made in raising awareness, he knows more needs to be as a society to banish the disease's stigma "once and for all".
Estimates by a number of charities put the number of dementia patients at 850,000 by 2015, with the report highlighting that the greatest fears are held by people over 55 years of age.
21 July 2017
Researchers have claimed that 1 in 3 dementia cases could be prevented were people to make certain changes to their lifestyles.
[more...]
20 July 2017
A report has criticised survival rates in the UK for a number of cancers.
19 July 2017
A leading expert in health inequality has called for 'urgent investigation' after increases in life expectancy stalled in recent years.
18 July 2017
People following a so-called Mediterranean diet rich in oily fish, fresh vegetables and nuts have a lower risk of suffering dementia.
15 July 2017
If you often put in extra hours at work you may want to think again.
14 July 2017
Researchers have highlighted a link between tall men and aggressive cases of prostate cancer.
13 July 2017
More than three-quarters of long-term carers feel stressed by their role, according to a new report.
12 July 2017
Want to live a longer life? Try drinking more coffee - so say researchers.
11 July 2017
More people are diagnosed with cancer than those who are getting married each year, new research suggests.
08 July 2017
Heading off on holiday this summer? Don't forget your sunnies.
07 July 2017
Startling new figures have underlined the dementia challenge facing the country.
06 July 2017
When it comes to embarking on a new life or buying a holiday home in the sun, Spain is king among Brits.