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Stigma by association and Alzheimer's disease
1Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. werner@research.haifa.ac.il
Aging & Mental Health
|February 26, 2008
Summary
Caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) experience minimal self-stigma but perceive significant stigma and discrimination impacting both themselves and the individual with AD, particularly in service delivery and social roles.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is often associated with stigmatization.
- Limited research exists on courtesy stigma or stigma by association in the context of AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate stigma by association experienced by caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
- To assess four dimensions of stigma: interpersonal interaction, concealment, structural discrimination, and access to social roles.
Main Methods:
- Phone interviews were conducted with 61 caregivers of persons with AD.
- Assessed perceptions of stigma across interpersonal, concealment, structural, and social role dimensions.
Main Results:
- Caregivers reported minimal personal stigma but considerable perceived stigma towards the person with AD.
- High levels of structural discrimination were reported by participants, affecting both the caregiver and the person with AD.
- Stigma by association was particularly pronounced in service delivery and impacts on the lives of individuals with AD.
Conclusions:
- Stigma by association is a significant issue for caregivers and persons with Alzheimer's disease.
- Structural discrimination is a key component of this associated stigma.
- Findings highlight the need for interventions addressing stigma in AD care and service provision.
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