World Alzheimer Report 2019: Attitudes to dementia, a global survey

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundIn 2019 Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) undertook the biggest global survey on attitudes to dementia, with 70,000 people across 54 countries participating. Alongside expert essays, case studies and programmes to tackle stigma, the survey results formed the core of the 2019 World Alzheimer ReportMethodADI commissioned London School of Economics & Political Science to create and design a global survey engaging 4 distinct audiences: people living with dementia, carers, healthcare professionals and the general public. The survey was distributed online, through the ADI network, with an offline/supported option for assisted completion.ResultHeadlines. 95% of respondents think they will develop dementia in their lifetimes. 78% are concerned. 2 in 3 people think dementia is a normal part of ageing. 62% of healthcare practitioners that resounded believe dementia is a normal part of ageing. 1 in 4 believes there is nothing you can do about it. 82% would take a genetic test. 54% believe lifestyle factors play a part in developing dementia.ConclusionThree years after the introduction of the WHO Global action plan on dementia, with a clear objective of raising awareness, it is evident that stigma is still one of the major barriers to people seeking out information, advice, support and even a diagnosis. Increasing awareness and tackling stigma is vital, not only to help improve the lives of those living with a diagnosis but to ensure that risk reduction messages have impact. There is evidently also still a need to improve understanding of dementia as a medical condition, and not just a normal part of ageing, for both the general public but also healthcare practitioners.