World Alzheimer’s Day: International survey finds 80% of people think dementia is normal part of ageing

A global survey by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) has revealed that a shocking 80% of the general public still incorrectly believes dementia is a normal part of ageing rather than a medical condition.

A global survey by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) has revealed that a shocking 80% of the general public still incorrectly believes dementia is a normal part of ageing rather than a medical condition.

Dementia is an umbrella term for several diseases affecting memory, other cognitive abilities and behaviour that interfere significantly with a person’s ability to maintain their activities of daily living.

‘The World Alzheimer’s Report: Global changes in attitudes to dementia 2024’ conducted by ADI  commissioning the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), was released on Friday, September 20, ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21. 

Covering 40,000 people across 116 countries, including India, the survey revealed stigma around the condition worsening even among healthcare professionals. Over 3.8 million people are living with dementia in India and this is expected to rise to over 11.4 million by 2050, an increase of 197%. 

The key finding that 80% of the general public still believes dementia is a normal part of ageing is a dramatic increase compared to 66% in 2019. Besides, a shocking 65% of health and care professionals also believe dementia is a normal part of ageing, up from 62% in 2019. 

The survey found that 88% of people living with dementia indicate experiencing discrimination, up from 83% in 2019. “Besides, 31% of people living with dementia avoid social situations due to concerns regarding the reactions of others and 47% of carers stopped accepting invites to visit family and friends. Among the general public, most respondents felt more confident to challenge dementia stigma and discrimination than they did in 2019, especially in high-income countries (64%),” stated the report.

Corroborating the findings, P.T. Sivakumar, professor of Psychiatry and Head, Geriatric Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry at NIMHANS, said the data, evidence, and case studies from the report highlight the complex and persistent nature of stigma and dementia worldwide.