What is taught about dementia in secondary schools? A survey of schools in Sussex, England (innovative practice)

Local dementia education initiatives exist in schools but it is unclear what the wider uptake of such programmes are. A self-created survey was sent to staff in a number of secondary schools (teaching ages 11-16) across Sussex, England. Sixty schools responded to the survey (response rate = 58%). While the majority of schools expressed an interest in including some form of dementia education within their school in the future, only nine schools (15%) currently had dementia education embedded within their curriculum. Despite government calls to reduce stigma and improve attitudes towards dementia, it seems very little is being taught in secondary schools on the topic.