Groundbreaking Survey Reveals Very Different Attitudes to Dementia Between Men and Women

LONDON, October 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Is this leading us in the wrong direction? 

3-4 November 2015, The Vox, Birmingham

http://www.internationaldementiaconference.co.uk

A year long survey conducted by the world-renowned Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at Stirling University has revealed significant differences in the attitudes of men and women about dementia and how those affected should be cared for.

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With women accounting for 2 in 3 of those living with dementia, this initial analysis of the findings focuses on the difference between males and females in their views on dementia.  Professor June Andrews, Director of the DSDC comments:

"Women are more affected by dementia worldwide, more likely to get it, be carers for those with it as well as be in lower paid jobs as carers in the industry.  They are more likely to be concerned that they or their loved ones will get dementia whereas men believe there will be a cure in their lifetime.   We need to now consider if these attitudes are taking us in the wrong direction."

Over 2,500 people from all four corners of the world have completed the survey - known as the 'Big Ask'.  Results will be revealed at the first International Dementia Conference on 3 and 4 November at The Vox, Birmingham.  So far, the survey shows that:

• More women than men believe that voluntary euthanasia should be an option for those with dementia.  
• More woman (50%) fear dementia more than cancer. Only 35% of men agreed with this statement.
• Women experience more anxiety when posed with questions around dementia and were more likely to give negative feedback than men.
• Nearly three quarters of women responding believe that avoiding hospital admission is vital for those with dementia - almost one quarter less men agreed with this statement.
• Men are more likely to view hospital care and medicine as a positive intervention - far fewer women agreed with this statement.
• Men are more likely to believe they should contribute to their own care (both personally and through families).  
  

For further information about the Big Ask and attending the International Dementia Conference alongside the Care & Dementia Show, please visit http://www.internationaldementiaconference.co.uk.

Notes to editors 

International Dementia Conference (http://www.internationaldementiaconference.co.uk)

Running at The Vox, Birmingham 3-4 November 2015, the International Dementia Conference will bring together leading figures from around the globe and from a variety of different industry backgrounds to learn and share ideas on the best ways to tackle dementia as a global issue. Created for everyone involved in supporting people with dementia and their carers, both in the UK and internationally, the conference runs concurrently with Care & Dementia Show 2015, the largest health and social care exhibition in the UK.

Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), Stirling (http://www.dementia.stir.ac.uk)

Dementia Services Development Centre is an international centre of knowledge and expertise dedicated to improving the lives of people with Dementia, drawing on research and practice from across the world, to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date resource on all aspects of Dementia. Based at the University of Stirling, DSDC works with individuals and organizations to improve the design of care environments, to make communities Dementia-friendly, to influence policy and to improve services for people with Dementia.  2015 - the DSDC's 25th anniversary year - is marked by the Dementia Festival of Ideas which will explore the meaning of Dementia to us all, looking at the subject from as many different angles as possible and as creatively it deserves.

Care & Dementia Show (http://www.careshow.co.uk)

Care & Dementia Show is the biggest trade event in the UK for the care and dementia sector and takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on 3-4 November 2015. The show features dedicated suppliers, best practice ideas and technology showcases as well as providing education, products and services for those owning or running any organisation involved in the care of older people and/or affected by dementia. These include proprietors, directors and managers of care homes, nursing homes, domiciliary care agencies, sheltered accommodation, learning disability homes, local authorities, specialist care units, private hospitals and construction companies.

SOURCE International Dementia Conference