Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Social Sciences
• Public Health

Background:

• Stigma reduction is a key goal in dementia strategies.
• Public and self-stigma negatively impact people living with dementia (PLWD) and their care partners.
• Fear and dread of loss of self contribute to stigma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore perceptions of stigma among participants at Walking the Talk for Dementia (WTD) 2024.
• To investigate the evolution of destigmatization during and after the event.
• To identify themes related to changing perceptions and self-knowledge.

Main Methods:

• Combined quantitative and qualitative research approaches.
• Integrated survey data and individual reflective comments on stigma.
• Assessed the impact of WTD on participants' understanding and advocacy.

Main Results:

• Three sub-themes emerged: changed clinician perceptions, community creation, and PLWD finding meaning.
• Participants reported significant improvements in knowledge about dementia's impact (4.59/5) and advocacy (4.49/5).
• The event facilitated self-knowledge and empowerment, enabling participants to redefine themselves.

Conclusions:

• WTD provides a framework to address the fear underlying dementia stigma.
• Collective learning and experiences decreased stigmatizing words and actions.
• Participants gained empowerment to redefine themselves, free from stigma.