Reducing Stigma

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Towards a Dementia Inclusive Society

World Health Organisation, 2021

Towards a dementia-inclusive society: The WHO toolkit for dementia-friendly initiatives supports individuals, communities, and countries in raising awareness of dementia and empowering people living with dementia to remain in and be a significant part of their communities. The toolkit provides practical guidance and tools that can support efforts, including planning and implementation activities, to create dementia-inclusive societies.

Global Dialogue on Dementia and an Ageing Society

World Dementia Council

A global dialogue on dementia and an ageing society was co-chaired by Professor Shekhar Saxena, Professor of the Practice of Global Mental Health at Harvard and a member of the World Dementia Council, and Sarah Lock, Senior Vice President for Policy at AARP.

World Alzheimer Report 2012: Overcoming the Stigma of Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2012 (UK)

This report explored the nature of dementia related stigma. The report focused on the results of a survey of 2,500 people from various countries worldwide. The report helped define dementia related stigma and offered recommendations to tackle it, alongside a series of case studies and practices aimed at tackling stigma.

World Alzheimer Report 2019: Attitudes to Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2019 (UK)

The core of the 2019 report is the results of a global survey of almost 70,000 people, making it the biggest of its kind ever undertaken, alongside a series of expert essays, case studies and programmes.

Addressing Stigma Associated With Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias: Role of the Public Health and Aging Services Networks

Centres for Disease Control, 2015 (US)

A brief overview with the overall message that public health and ageing services professionals can be on the forefront in educating the public about dementia.

Building Dementia-Friendly Communities: A Priority for Everyone

Alzheimer’s Society, 2013 (UK)

This report provides evidence on dementia-friendly communities from the perspective of people affected by dementia and their carers. It explores the barriers people face in their community, how they would like to engage with their local area, and the support they need to do so. It also collates existing evidence and describes projects that are already making a difference for people with dementia. This information is used both to define a dementia-friendly community and to outline 10 areas of focus for communities working to become dementia-friendly.

New Perspectives and Approaches to Understanding Dementia and Stigma

International Longevity Centre, 2014 (UK)

This collection of essays examines the social stigma that surrounds dementia, highlighting that stigma impedes early diagnosis, care and research into the disease.