80% of the world’s population mistakenly believes that dementia is a normal consequence of aging: it was 66% in 2019. Among the health workers this percentage is well over 65%3% more than five years ago. These are the alarming data that emerge from the World Alzheimer’s Report 2024 drafted from ADI – Alzheimer’s Disease International and spread from our country by Alzheimer Federation Italy on the occasion of the XXXI World Alzheimer’s DayThe report, entitled “Global Changes in Attitudes Towards Dementia”, outlines the findings of the largest investigation never led into the world on beliefs, behaviors and attitudes towards dementia and the changes that have occurred since the first research of this type, dating back to 2019.
The interviewees they were 40,000 – among people with dementia, caregivers, health and care workers and the general public – from from 166 countries and the data were analysed by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The full World Alzheimer’s Report is available at this link.
The survey results reveal how the stigma surrounding dementia is worsening among the public and even among healthcare professionals. This situation obviously has serious consequences consequences for those who live with this condition: 88% in fact he declares to have experienced stigma first handwith a 5% increase compared to 2019; the 31% avoid social situations and the 36% have stopped looking for work for fear of being discriminated against. The results regarding the caregiver are equally worrying, with the 47% That no longer accepts invitations of friends and family and the 43% That no longer invite guests At home.
The Report also contains 24 essays by experts from around the world on general issues relating to attitudes towards dementia, as well as case studies on stigma and initiatives to combat it.
In Italy
«In Italy there are 1,480,000 people with dementiadestined to become 2,300,000 by 2020″ states Katia Pintopresident of the Alzheimer’s Federation. «We are therefore extremely concerned about these data. The stigma brings with it social isolationwhich is a proven risk factor for dementia and can contribute to worsening its symptoms and overall mental health, not only of the person affected, but also of their family members.”
«Misconceptions about dementia among healthcare professionals» adds Paola BarbarinoCEO of ADI «they can delay diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment, care and support. It is necessary that all people belonging to this professional category are fully aware and convinced of the fact that dementia is a medical condition caused by a combination of causes, among which Alzheimer’s is the most widespread. Only in this way will they be able to offer people with dementia a real care, which allows them to maintain the best possible quality of life for as long as possible”.
However, the World Report also highlights some positive data. Most of the interviewees feel more confident in challenging stigma and discrimination compared to 2019, especially in high-income countries (64%). More and more people are aware of the effects of their lifestyle on the risk of developing the disease, with over 58% of the general public who believes that dementia is caused by unhealthy habits. More than 96% of the public believes inimportance of a medical diagnosis.
Finally, awareness has increased at a political and social level: 80% of ordinary citizens believes it can change the support provided to people with dementia through their voteAnd Over 93% believe there are things that can be done to improve the lives of people with dementia.
“It is right to underline these encouraging aspects too,” Pinto continues. “We have always reiterated this: A person’s life does not end with a diagnosis of dementiaand it is comforting to know that this statement is increasingly shared. The Alzheimer Federation has launched the project Dementia Friendly Italy to fight stigma and build a society where people with dementia and their families can always feel welcomed and understood. We will continue on this path, but everyone’s commitment is needed: governments, institutions, healthcare professionals, ordinary citizens. Only in this way can we to break down the wall of shame and misunderstanding that still too often prevents people with dementia from receiving adequate and complete care and from living a full and dignified life».