A new worldwide study has found that misconceptions about dementia are on the rise, with significant implications for diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
Dementia misconceptions grow
The World Alzheimer Report 2024, published by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) on 20 September 2024, has unveiled concerning trends in global attitudes towards dementia. The report, based on a survey analysed by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), shows a marked increase in misconceptions about the condition among both the general public and healthcare professionals.
The study, which surveyed 40,000 people across 166 countries, found that 80% of the general public incorrectly believe dementia is a normal part of ageing rather than a medical condition. This represents a substantial increase from 66% in 2019. Perhaps more alarmingly, 65% of healthcare professionals also hold this mistaken belief, up from 62% in 2019.
Paola Barbarino, CEO of ADI, expressed concern about these findings: “This inaccurate view of dementia is a major concern, particularly from healthcare professionals, as it can delay diagnosis and access to the right treatment, care, and support.”
Stigma and its consequences
The report also highlights the persistent and growing problem of stigma associated with dementia. A staggering 88% of people living with dementia reported experiencing discrimination, an increase from 83% in 2019. This stigma has far-reaching consequences, leading to social isolation and reduced engagement in work and community activities.
The survey revealed that 31% of people living with dementia avoid social situations due to concerns about others’ reactions, while 36% stop applying for or continuing work. Carers are similarly affected, with 43% stopping invitations to others and 47% declining invitations from friends and family.
Barbarino emphasised the detrimental effects of such isolation: “We know how damaging isolation can be for people living with dementia; it can worsen symptoms, induce depression, lead to cognitive decline, and cause physical deterioration.”
Healthcare education gaps
The report suggests that inadequate medical training on dementia may contribute to healthcare professionals’ misperceptions. Emily Ong, a person living with dementia, shared her experience: “Many healthcare practitioners I have encountered through my advocacy work have disclosed they had received very limited medical training on dementia, which may have contributed to their perception that dementia is a normal part of the ageing process.”
This lack of understanding can have serious consequences. As Ong points out: “The most concerning part of this is how it could lead to delayed, wrong, or missed diagnosis.”
Positive developments
Despite these challenges, the report also highlights some encouraging trends. There has been an increase in the number of respondents who feel confident in challenging stigma and discrimination compared to 2019. Additionally, over 58% of the general public now recognise the potential impact of lifestyle factors on dementia risk, an important step given that 45% of dementia cases are reportedly influenced by modifiable risk factors.
Call for action
The report underscores the urgent need for governments to prioritise National Dementia Plans to address stigma and improve dementia care. Currently, only 39 out of 194 World Health Organisation (WHO) Member States have such plans in place.
Barbarino stresses the importance of these plans: “National dementia plans remain the most effective way for governments to develop, legislate, and fund dementia-inclusive policies that address stigma and create more dementia-friendly societies, as well as promoting equitable access to treatment and care.”
The report also reveals that over 80% of the general public believe they can influence support for people with dementia through their vote, highlighting the potential for political action on this issue.
Conclusion
As the world faces an ageing population and a projected increase in dementia cases, addressing misconceptions and stigma becomes increasingly crucial. The World Alzheimer Report 2024 serves as a call to action for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public to improve understanding of dementia and support for those affected by it.
Reference:
Alzheimer’s Disease International. (2024). World Alzheimer Report 2024: Global changes in attitudes to dementia. London: Alzheimer’s Disease International. Download the report here: https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2024/
