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Perceived stigma in persons with early-stage dementia: Longitudinal findings: Part 1
Sandy C Burgener1, Kathleen Buckwalter2, Yelena Perkhounkova3
1Biobehavioral Nursing, University of Illinois College of Nursing, IL, USA sburgenr@illinois.edu.
Dementia (London, England)
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Perceived stigma in persons with dementia remains stable over 18 months, with urban dwellers experiencing higher shame. Cognitive function impacts social isolation and rejection related to stigma.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Stigma significantly impacts individuals with dementia and their families.
- Understanding the trajectory and correlates of perceived stigma is crucial for supportive interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the stability of perceived stigma in persons with dementia over 18 months.
- To investigate the relationship between perceived stigma and person-centered variables.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study with 50 persons with dementia and 47 family caregivers.
- Data collected at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months using the modified Stigma Impact Scale.
- Analysis of perceived stigma stability and correlations with demographic and cognitive factors.
Main Results:
- Perceived stigma remained stable, with no downward trend observed until 18 months.
- Urban residents reported higher internalized shame than rural residents.
- Cognitive functioning positively correlated with social rejection and isolation subscales of stigma.
Conclusions:
- Perceived stigma is enduring in the early stages of dementia.
- Geographic location and cognitive function are associated with specific dimensions of perceived stigma.
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