Paola Barbarino
CEO, Alzheimer’s Disease International
Despite 55 million people worldwide living with dementia, a new study reveals that most people still lack a clear understanding of the condition.
Dementia is now the seventh leading cause of death globally and the leading cause of death in the United Kingdom. Currently, over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, a number expected to rise to 78 million by 2030. On average, someone develops the condition every three seconds.
Despite its prevalence, many people living with dementia still face significant stigma and discrimination due to widespread misconceptions and a lack of understanding about what dementia actually is.
World Alzheimer Report 2024
Today, Alzheimer’s Disease International published the 2024 World Alzheimer Report: Global Changes in Attitudes to Dementia. This report presents findings from our recent survey of over 40,000 people, including those living with dementia, caregivers, healthcare practitioners and members of the general public across 166 countries and territories. The results were both enlightening and concerning.
The report reveals that 65% of healthcare practitioners and 80% of the general public mistakenly consider dementia to be a normal part of ageing. Even more troubling, between 29% (in high-income countries) and 32% (in low and middle-income countries) believe that people living with dementia are dangerous more often than not. Furthermore, 64% of respondents viewed people with dementia as impulsive and unpredictable.
Due to the fear of stigma, 29% of those
living with the condition avoid or
discontinue close personal relationships.
Stigma impacts dementia patients and caregivers
These misconceptions have real-world consequences. A concerning 88% of people living with dementia report experiencing discrimination. Due to the fear of stigma, 29% of those living with the condition avoid or discontinue close personal relationships, and 31% steer clear of social situations because they worry about others’ reactions.
Caregivers are also significantly impacted. Around 43% have stopped inviting friends over out of concern for how they might treat their loved one, and almost half have declined invitations to visit friends or family.
Make an impact on World Alzheimer’s Month
Each September, Alzheimer’s Disease International organises the global awareness campaign, World Alzheimer’s Month. The theme for 2024 is #TimeToActOnDementia and #TimeToActOnAlzheimers, focused on addressing the stigma and misunderstanding that is clearly so prevalent.
Throughout the month, we encourage everyone to take action to improve dementia awareness worldwide — whether on social media, through memory walks or simply in daily conversations. Together, we can make a difference.
