Except for cancer, Alzheimer's most feared

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Except for the fear of cancer, U.S. adults most fear getting Alzheimer's disease, but few make preparations for the onset of the disease, a survey indicates.

The MetLife Foundation Alzheimer's Survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, indicates that although many fear Alzheimer's, 62 percent admit they know little or nothing about the disease.

Forty-one percent say they fear cancer, 31 percent say they fear Alzheimer's disease, 8 percent fear heart disease, 8 percent fear stroke and 6 percent fear diabetes.

The telephone survey of 1,007 U.S. adults, conducted in September, also indicates:

-- 44 percent have family members or friends with Alzheimer's.

-- 23 percent of adults are extremely or very concerned that they may someday provide care for a loved one with Alzheimer's.

-- 18 percent say they have made any plans for the possibility of getting Alzheimer's disease, while 41 percent say they talked to their families about Alzheimer's.

-- Thirty-three percent say they considered care options in the event of the disease and 44 percent designated someone to take care of them, while 21 percent say they made financial arrangements.

No margin of error was provided.

The findings are at: www.metlife.com/Alzheimers.