Dementia eclipses cancer as Britons' greatest health fear

Dementia has become Britain's biggest health fear, overtaking cancer, according to new research.

- BRYONY GOOCH

Around 31 per cent of family carers fear dementia, a 4 per cent increase from last year, while concerns around cancer dropped from 30 per cent to 21 per cent in the same amount of time, according to Home Instead. The at-home care provider surveyed 4,000 people, including 1,600 family carers, over the course of a year in a study tracking the country's feelings around ageing and care.

Almost two-thirds of those surveyed (63 per cent) called for the government to declare dementia a health emergency as the disease takes a growing toll on families, according to the research. Almost 90 per cent of carers called for a dedicated dementia allowance to help fund care.