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Reducing Dementia-Related Stigma: A Meta-Analytic Review of Interventions
Shannon Pappas1, Lily G Gorman2
1Department of Communication, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Dementia stigma is hard to reduce, with interventions showing no significant impact on stigmatizing views. However, improving quality of life may help decrease stigma associated with dementia.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Dementia affects millions, bringing challenges like stigma.
- Dementia-related stigma leads to isolation, discrimination, and reduced quality of life.
- Stigma reduction interventions aim to mitigate these negative impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analytic review of dementia-related stigma reduction studies.
- To examine the effectiveness of interventions on stigmatizing views and quality of life.
- To identify factors influencing stigma reduction in dementia care.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of seven dementia-related stigma reduction studies.
- Inclusion of 13 interventions and 26 effect sizes.
- Statistical analysis to determine the impact on stigmatizing views and quality of life.
Main Results:
- Overall, interventions showed nonsignificant reductions in stigmatizing views (g = -.24).
- Interventions led to nonsignificant improvements in quality of life (g = .20).
- Quality of life significantly predicted stigma reduction (β = -1.0732, P = .004).
Conclusions:
- Dementia-related stigma is challenging to change.
- There is a lack of consensus on effective intervention methods and measurement protocols.
- Further research is needed to develop robust stigma reduction strategies.
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