One in three are nervous about speaking to people who have dementia, Bupa has reported.
According to Bupa research, those with a friend or relative suffering from dementia said they were not sure how to support them. And 35% stated that they did not know what to expect as their condition progressed.
The research further showed one in five feared meeting someone with dementia as they did not understand the symptoms.
Professor Graham Stokes, director of dementia care at Bupa Care Services, said: "We know there is a stigma associated with dementia and people are fearful of trying to communicate with those with the condition as they don't know what to say or how to respond to what might be perceived as unusual behaviour.
"The more people understand about dementia, the more they will be able to help those living with it. The daily struggle to communicate can often leave carers feeling that there is a great emotional distance between themselves and their loved ones."
He added while there was no cure for dementia the condition needed to be managed with "sensitivity and compassion".
The provider has launched a Talking Toolkit in an aim to support people in communicating with friends and loved ones living with dementia.
