Stigma of dementia is a critical issue that reduces the quality of life of people living with dementia and their family care partners. Existing research shows that dementia education and awareness campaigns are urgently needed to address stigma of dementia on social media. More specifically, our research found that dementia-related stigma on social media fosters stereotypes, misinformation, and discrimination. How we talk about dementia shapes how policymakers, health professionals, and the public value the lives of people with dementia.
The purpose of this project to enhance dementia awareness and education to target dementia-related stigma on social media. Working in collaboration with our B.C. community partners, healthcare professionals, student trainees, and people living with dementia and their care partners, we will develop a hybrid Café Scientifique that will consist of both an in-person and online panelist discussion on stigma of dementia that is open to the general public. We will also create an infographic to counter dementia-related stigma on social media. This initiative will foster dementia awareness and education on social media to reduce stigma and enhance the quality of lives of people living with dementia.