Dementia knowledge, risk reduction awareness, misconceptions, and stigma in Kuwait: a cross-sectional study

Dementia represents a growing public health challenge globally, particularly within aging populations. Although no cure currently exists, evidence suggests that targeting modifiable risk factors can substantially lower dementia risk. However, limited public knowledge, widespread misconceptions, and stigma remain significant barriers to early diagnosis, preventive action, and timely care. This study aimed to assess general dementia knowledge, awareness of risk and protective factors, misconceptions about risk reduction, and stigma toward people living with dementia (PwD) among the general population in Kuwait. It also sought to identify predictors of knowledge and stigma.

A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 733 adults residing in Kuwait. Participants completed a validated, self-administered questionnaire distributed through social media and email using a snowball sampling approach. The survey incorporated the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) for general knowledge, the Knowledge of Dementia Risk Reduction Scales (KoDeRR-R and KoDeRR-M) for awareness of modifiable risk factors and misconceptions, and the Dementia Public Stigma Scale (DePSS) for stigma-related issues. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

Overall dementia knowledge was low, with a median DKAS score of 19 out of 50. Medical professionals and students (AOR = 8.53, 95% CI: 5.11-14.23) and those with professional experience working with PwD (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.36-4.42) exhibited significantly higher knowledge. Conversely, married participants scored lower (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26-0.85). Respondents showed low awareness of modifiable risk factors (median KoDeRR-R = 16/28) and struggled to identify misconceptions (median KoDeRR-M = 0/12). The median number of reported risk-reducing behaviors was 7 out of a possible 14. Stigma levels were moderate (median DePSS = 62/112) and were significantly lower among those with professional experience working with PwD (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.36-3.07). Higher dementia knowledge correlated significantly with greater risk factor awareness, more engagement in preventive behaviors, and lower stigma (p < 0.05).

This study highlights critical gaps that underscore the urgent need for comprehensive public health initiatives to improve dementia literacy, correct misconceptions, promote preventive actions, and reduce stigma across the population.