Facing our greatest fear – losing control of our own lives

Facing our greatest fear – losing control of our own lives

Almost two in every three 40 to 60-year-olds are worried about developing dementia in later life, according to a new You Gov poll.

Conducted for national charity the Pilgrims’ Friend Society, exhibitors at CRE Midlands, the survey showed it hits people’s greatest fear – losing control of their lives. 

But Louise Morse, a cognitive behavioural therapist, and author of several books on dementia and old age, claims that people in the age group subject of the poll, have more control than previous generations over their wellbeing in old age, including their vulnerability to dementia.

‘Healthier lifestyles have led to a 20 per cent drop over the past three decades in the number of new cases of dementia in western countries,’ said Louise, who has worked with the society since 2000. ‘If this trend continues, by 2040 there will be 15 million fewer people living with dementia in these high-income areas.’

She points out that a wealth of studies reveal our mental health in the middle years also has a strong bearing. In a study of 1.7 million New Zealand citizens over three decades, individuals with a mental-disorder diagnosis were found to be more than four times as likely to develop all types of dementia than those without. Other studies show that women with chronic stress in middle age have an increased risk of dementia when they are older. Coincidentally, it’s in those years that many find themselves caring for a loved one with dementia with all the stress and grief that involves. 

‘Most of all, our future is shaped by our expectations,’ said Louise, who will speak of the broad outlines of a mid-life MOT at CRE Midlands (3.30pm, 8Nov, Talks Area 1). ‘Those aged between 40 and 60 years should take stock of their physical and mental habits.’

Pilgrims’ Friend Society provides residents care homes and independent living housing schemes in many parts of England.

• Pilgrims’ Friend Society are on stand A37 at CRE Midlands

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