Why is stigma such an important issue for people with Alzheimers disease or a related dementia? What is the Society doing to break this stigma?
There is no doubt that stigma remains an issue for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Because of this stigma, people don’t seek a diagnosis, and they don’t seek treatment. For those that are diagnosed, many don’t tell their family and friends, and do not reach out to benefit from the support offered by the Alzheimer Society, and other community groups. This means that thousands of people are facing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia on their own. Ironically, the social isolation caused by this stigma also contributes to a further decline in brain health. The Society continues to work hard to raise awareness about the disease, and to educate people about the myths and reality of Alzheimer’s disease. Through our First Link® program, we are working harder than ever to reach out to people just after diagnosis, linking them with local support at a time when they need it most. On a broader scale, the Society is also working closely with the Mental Health Com
