Perceptions of stigma among people affected by early- and late-onset Alzheimer's disease

Citation

Ashworth R (2020) Perceptions of stigma among people affected by early- and late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Health Psychology, 25 (4), pp. 490-510. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105317720818

Abstract
The aim of this research was to explore perceptions of stigma among people with early- and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and those who support them, using questionnaires (n = 44) and semi-structured interviews (n = 14). Perceived stigma reporting was low in the questionnaires, whereas interviews revealed higher levels of perceived stigma in the form of unpredictable reactions to diagnosis, feeling stupid and ignorance of the condition among the public. Perceived stigma was managed in similar ways across age groups, focusing on ‘being the lucky ones’. Results support the need to further tackle stigma and challenge expectations, particularly given the drive to diagnose people and thereby expose them to stigma.

Keywords
Alzheimer’s; dementia; early onset; late onset; socioemotional selectivity theory; stigma

Journal
Journal of Health Psychology: Volume 25, Issue 4