Perceptions of stigma in dementia: An exploratory study

There are currently more than 33,000 people known to have dementia in Ireland. Due to its complex and multi-faceted nature, the impact of dementia on all those affected is extensive. Existing theories of stigma posit that possessing a disability such as dementia can result in a perception of difference between the person and others in the community, and potentially predispose the person with dementia to stigmatisation and discrimination. By association carers/family members of the person with dementia may also be subject to the effects of stigma or its components. It has been suggested that dementia related stigma is a concern in terms of the provision of dementia care and that it poses an obstacle to the well-being and quality of life of persons with dementia and their carers. To date this subject has not been explored in-depth from an Irish perspective. Consequently, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland commissioned this exploratory research, to better understand this issue and gain insight into how to respond to dementia related stigma in an Irish context

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