A fifth of adults wrongly believe Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same thing, according to research by Care UK.

The research aims to debunk dementia myths and provide vital support to families whose loved ones have been diagnosed with the condition thanks to a first-of-its kind, new video guide, ‘One step at a time – A video guide to navigating dementia’.

In the poll of 2,000 people, 17% believed that if a family member developed dementia, then they would do also.

People assumed dementia was inevitable with age, only affected older adults and that prevention was possible.

Over a third (34%) always attributed memory loss with the condition and 14% claimed people living with dementia can’t lead a meaningful life.

Just over a third (34%) said they didn’t know very much about dementia or have much experience with it.

Over two-thirds (67%) admitted they should know more about the condition than they currently do – while 68% felt that the public in general should know more. 

Despite this, 72% hadn’t ever made a conscious effort to learn more about the diagnosis and 23% claimed they were unfamiliar with symptoms.

Nearly a fifth (21%) didn’t know memory loss was associated with dementia and a further 32% were unaware confusion was also a key sign.

Just under half (47%) said they would go to the internet first go if they had questions about the illness while 34% would seek medical advice.

When asked if any of their loved ones had ever been diagnosed with the condition, 36% said yes, with 91% agreeing it was one of the hardest things they’d ever gone through.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of those polled via OnePoll were afraid of developing dementia when they get older, with more than one in ten (11%) starting to worry about this in their 20s.

But 32% said they have an ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude and, despite people’s perceptions, 43% believed living with dementia wasn’t always as doom and gloom as it first seems.

Suzanne Mumford, head of nursing, care and dementia services at Care UK, said: “There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to dementia, and what this means for the person living with it and their family. Often, they come from reading something online or word-of-mouth rather than experts or trusted sources.

“In reality, dementia is a condition that can be managed to ensure those who live with it can continue to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives and can be supported to still do the things they love. That’s why we’ve launched our latest video guide, ‘One step at a time’. Featuring tips from our experts, but also testimonies of residents’ families, it is designed to help people navigate through the dementia journey, from dealing with the initial diagnosis to learning how to live well with dementia. It also incorporates advice aimed at carers to help them look after themselves.” 

To find out more about the guide, please visit careuk.com/one-step-at-a-time