by The School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin August 2006

There are currently more than 33,000 people known to have dementia in Ireland. Due to its complex and multi-faceted nature, the impact of dementia on all those affected is extensive. Existing theories of stigma posit that possessing a disability such as dementia can result in a perception of difference between the person and others in the community, and potentially predispose the person with dementia to stigmatisation and discrimination.

By association carers/family members of the person with dementia may also be subject to the effects of stigma or its components. It has been suggested that dementia related stigma is a concern in terms of the provision of dementia care and that it poses an obstacle to the well-being and quality of life of persons with dementia and their carers.

To date this subject has not been explored in-depth from an Irish perspective.

Consequently, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland commissioned this exploratory research, to better understand this issue and gain insight into how to respond to dementia related stigma in an Irish context.

Aim and objectives of the study
The aim of the study was to conduct an exploratory study of stigma in dementia and the impact on all those affected, i.e. the person with dementia and his/her carers/family members.

The specific objectives were to:

• utilise grounded theory methods to gain an understanding of the concept of stigma in dementia
• examine the elements that lead to the construction of stigma in dementia and to understand their manifestation and application in day-to-day life
• explore the specific concepts of fear and discrimination associated with dementia as a disability
• identify potential strategies to deconstruct stigma associated with dementia.