'We need to stop worrying and start understanding dementia,' says charity spokesman Carers are 'amazing source of inspiration' says actress Carey Mulligan, whose grandmother has Alzheimer's

By Jenny Hope

PUBLISHED: 02:10 EST, 21 May 2012 | UPDATED: 03:50 EST, 21 May 2012

Two out of three older people are worried about dementia - but most dont want to know any more about it, says a new survey.

It reveals that 66 per cent of people aged 55 and over have worries about brain diseases such as Alzheimers - and it is the age group with the biggest fears.

But almost as many young people aged 18-24 - 61 per cent - are worried.

Carey Mulligan is now an Ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society - her grandmother was diagnosed with the condition eight years ago

More women than men are anxious about dementia, 70 per cent compared with 56 per cent of men.

However, fewer than one in six older people want to learn more about the disease, says a joint poll commissioned by Alzheimers Society and Saga Homecare published today.

Oscar-nominated actress, Carey Mulligan, has become an 'ambassador' for the Alzheimer's Society to promote better awareness and less fear of the condition.

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Dementia denial: Two out of three older people are worried¿ but most don¿t want to know more