Did you know 80% of the public believes dementia is a normal part of ageing? Over a quarter of people globally incorrectly believe there is nothing we can do to prevent dementia, with that number increasing from 20% in 2019 to 37% in lower- and middle-income countries. If this is not sad enough, 65% of health and care professionals incorrectly believe dementia is a normal part of ageing.
https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2024/
The Stigma
“People with dementia look forward to the day when we no longer have to be defined by our disease or our disabilities, and we are all treated equally.”
Kate Swaffer, dementia activist
(Alzheimer’s Disease International, World Alzheimer Report 2019: Attitudes to dementia. 2019.)
Do you know the word ‘stigma’ originates from Greek, meaning a ‘mark’ or ‘brand’? Dementia diagnosis is often perceived as a ‘label’ that sets a person apart from what is widely considered ‘normal’.
The picture above pretty much sums up stigmatism. Once a diagnosis is made, the sufferers will be “cocooned” in their tiny space, seemingly “disconnected” from the external everyday world. The attitude towards a person with dementia can be as overt as “call them demented outwardly” or as subtle as “dissociate from knowing them or disown”. Indeed, stigmatism can take many shapes or forms. In my clinical experience, I felt like people in general treat people with dementia like “food that’s past the used-by date”!! Ready to be discarded!
The Impact – Families and Societal
The sad reality:
- About 30% of the world’s public felt that people with dementia are dangerous Dangerous, or is it the so-called “normal” population’s ignorance? This is my challenge to us, myself included: do we know or try to understand why people with this disease behave “badly”? Before we put a nail in the coffin, we must appreciate that they have lost the average ability to discern right from wrong, but it is not impossible to manage. Let me also set the record here: we don’t have to rely on medications.
- Over 64% of the public believe people with dementia are impulsive and unpredictable.
- Over a quarter of respondents from the public expressed a belief that moving a family member with dementia to a care home, even against their wishes, would be the best option. Wow, this is mind-boggling stuff! I have recommended that my clients’ families seek a care home in my daily practice, but that is often the last resort. Maybe I am a little presumptuous and naïve in assuming all countries have the same level of support here in Australia. I apologise if I come across as such.
(The World Alzheimer Report 2024, page9, edited)
The Message
What can we do? I believe in hope and refuse to give in because of fear. I think the answer to the cause and the cure of Alzheimer’s disease (the most common type of brain degeneration disease that leads to dementia) is around the corner. Please refer to the five things we can all do, regardless of our cultural background, race, or language. I will emphasise the fourth point about reducing risk in the coming blogs.
If you are still confused, want to talk, or have more questions, email us at info@primegardensrs.com.au. Or, as usual, you are welcome to call Prime Garden Mont Albert North on (03) 98904488, leave a message, and our responsive staff will get back to you.
Five things you can do:
Educate yourself. Contact your local Alzheimer’s or dementia organisation (www.dementia.org.au) for all the information, including support and education for carers. |
Reach out to someone who has dementia. Do something meaningful for a family impacted by dementia that you know, or volunteer to help at a charity or an Alzheimer’s or dementia association. Small acts of service add up. This will help you to understand and break the stigma that they are “ dangerous”. |
Advocate. Does your home country have a national dementia plan? Is there a clear pathway for accessing timely diagnosis or post-diagnostic care? Write to the policymakers in your country to insist that dementia become a priority. Australia’s last National Dementia Action Plan (2015-2019) is a few years old and awaiting updates. |
Reduce your own risk. There is a lot you can do to reduce your own risk of developing dementia and enhance your brain health. It’s never too late or too early to start! Look at the World Alzheimer Report 2023 for an accessible and easy-to-read introduction to the topic. |
Post about dementia. Use social media to share this survey’s findings and challenge others to learn more. (The World Alzheimer Report 2024, page12, edited to suit local audience) |
Watch this Short Video:
What is the main take-home message?
Friends, “Dementia” is not a normal part of ageing. It is true as we age, our organs, including brain function, deteriorate, hence the term “senile forgetfulness” (another horrific label for our elderly).” For those who believe dementia is part of ageing, including medical professionals, hear me out: dementia can be optional. We should not give up hope, and perhaps we need to start to think outside the square – “instead of targeting the obvious “Amyloid plaque” as the culprit, maybe its presence was an indication of an underlying insult(s), and the plaques are indeed a protective factor!” Maybe?……….