DEMENTIA is second only to poverty in young people’s fears about later life, research shows.

In a survey commissioned by Age Scotland to mark the start of Dementia Awareness Week today, “not having enough money to live on” was the chief concern about life after work.

A deterioration in “thinking skills” came second, with more people worried about dementia than long-term illness, isolation or having to move into a care home.

The charity, which has established an Early Stage Dementia Project, has called for action to tackle stigma around the condition and more information to be made available on reducing the risk of developing it, including regular exercise.

Richard Baker, who leads the early stage dementia team, said: “While there is no doubt a diagnosis is a life-changing event, it is also important that people are aware it is possible to live well with dementia.

“Through our project we meet many people with dementia who are active and valued members of their community. Fears about dementia can prevent people seeking a diagnosis and getting the help they need, and that is why it is important to tackle the stigma around the condition.

“We also need to do more to get the message out that people can take steps to reduce the risk of developing dementia. While people understand the links between cancer and heart disease and smoking, drinking, and diet, too few are aware that these apply to dementia too.

“We believe further action is required from the Scottish Government to place dementia at the heart of public health campaigns.”

Appealing for greater understanding of the issues involved, campaigner Agnes Houston, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 57, said: “I would like to give hope and say getting a diagnosis of dementia is not the end of your life, it just means adapting and learning to come to terms with new challenges.

“It means families supporting each other to come to terms with these changes. If you know one person with dementia, you only know one person with dementia. We are all different and have unique challenges, including sensory, not only memory.”

Meanwhile, separate work by Alzheimer Scotland shows people living with dementia and their carers experience “significant” loss of friendships and social connections and increasing isolation.

In a poll of more than 500 people, 70 per cent of respondents living with dementia said they had lost friendships following their diagnosis.

Meanwhile, 60 per cent also said they were reluctant to attend social situations such as birthdays or weddings with family and friends because they are “embarrassed” about their condition or feel “frightened”.

The charity’s Anne McWhinnie said the findings were “heartbreaking” and must be addressed.