New Global Dementia Perceptions Report Shows Stigma Still Rife

Alzheimer’s Disease International have published the World Alzheimer Report 2019, a global analysis that suggests that as many two in three people across the world still think of the condition as normal ageing.

Tim Parry, Director of Communications at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“We welcome this important report that shines a light on global perceptions of dementia at a time when life expectancy in many parts of the world is rising rapidly, and as the number of people with the condition is set to almost triple by 2050.

“Dementia poses enormous challenges to those affected and their families, who should not also have to contend with stigma and harmful misconceptions.

“Last year, Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Dementia Attitude Monitor revealed that one in five people in the UK see dementia as an inevitable part of getting older. This new global survey suggests that as many two in three people across the world still think of the condition as normal ageing.

“While the new findings suggests that certain misconceptions aren’t as widely held in the UK as in other parts of the world, the finding that 39% of health care professionals in the UK think their colleagues ignore people with dementia highlights just how much work we still have to do.

“Dementia isn’t something people should feel they have to keep under wraps or only discuss behind closed doors. We need to challenge misconceptions about dementia head on.

“Our new Share the Orange campaign with Hollywood star Samuel L. Jackson sets out to change the conversation around dementia, dispell the idea that it is inevitable, and highlight the vital importance of research.”