People living with dementia are facing alarmingly high levels of discrimination, often from those around them in public spaces

New research from Dementia Australia, released during Dementia Action Week, highlights that a decade of poor understanding of dementia among Australians has contributed to ongoing stigma and discrimination.

The report, People in the Community are Both the Challenge and the Solution: Towards a Dementia-Friendly Future, sheds light on the persistent realities of prejudice experienced by those living with dementia.

Data in the 2024 report shows that:

• Nearly three in four people (71 per cent) with a loved one living with dementia felt that people patronised their loved one
• Three in four (76 per cent) felt people treated their family member or friend with dementia as though they were not smart
• Two in three identified ‘people in the community’ as the most common source of discrimination.
• One in three suggested that people avoid or exclude their loved one with dementia

Dementia Australia Advisory Committee Chair Bobby Redman, who lives with dementia, expressed disbelief that we are still grappling with such limited awareness and understanding of the condition.

“Why do people treat us differently? What have we done to deserve this? As a Dementia Advocate, it angers me. Why are people not listening? All we are asking for is to be understood, respected and supported – just basic human rights,” Redman said.

“If local councils, businesses and organisations recognise that dementia is no less of a disability because it is invisible, we could feel supported. If friends and others in our community keep an eye out for us and make sure we are included, we can feel less socially isolated.

“There is some great work happening in some communities to combat this discrimination and stigma which is heartwarming and encouraging – but we need to do more.

“Communities and Governments – local, State and Territory and Federal – need to raise awareness and understanding of dementia and to take action to make communities more inclusive for people living with dementia.”

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan noted that the research reveals that people in the community are the primary source of discrimination against those living with dementia.

“Australian and international studies show that stigma and discrimination associated with a dementia diagnosis can discourage people from seeking health care, including a diagnosis, and reduce social engagement with family, friends and the broader community, which has knock-on impacts on the physical, cognitive and psychosocial health of the person with dementia,” Professor Buchanan said.

“It is incredibly disappointing that Australians’ understanding of dementia has not shifted in a decade and profoundly concerning that more people now think dementia is a normal part of ageing than they did a decade ago. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing.

“We know that we can do better as there are great examples of dementia-friendly communities from around the country.

“And that’s why this Dementia Action Week (16-22 September) Dementia Australia is calling for urgent and sustained action by communities and governments at all levels to increase their awareness and understanding of dementia and to become the solution.”

-with AAP.