THE EFFECTS OF PERCEIVED STIGMA ON PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Over 3 decades, the investigators’ have identified the extent and impact of personal stigma associated with dementia. Multi-state studies support declines in friendship networks and support from religious organizations in persons with dementia (PwD). A longitudinal study with PWD and family caregivers also supports the continuing negative effects of stigma associated with quality of life. Linear mixed model analyses revealed social rejection and social isolation aspects of perceived stigma were most strongly associated with anxiety, behavioral symptoms, depression, personal control, self-esteem, health, and activity participation. Internalized shame was also associated with anxiety, personal control, health, self-esteem, social support understanding and assistance, and activity participation. Unpublished qualitative findings reported in this symposium support the quantitative findings, with PwD describing personal encounters of stigmatizing behaviors of others that reinforce the complexity and impact of personal stigma on relevant outcomes for PwD, and underscore the need to address stigma within the care trajectory.