Attitudes toward people with dementia and dementia-related public stigma: a community-based survey

Purpose This study aims to examine the community attitudes toward dementia and factors associated with dementia-related public stigma in Northwestern Italy. Design/methodology/approach An online survey using the Italian version of the Dementia Public Stigma Scale was administered to residents of several Italian communities. Findings A total of 1,329 participants completed the survey. Agreement with statements related to the behavioral component of stigma was low (6.2%–6.5%), while responses varied for the emotional (6.8%–23%) and cognitive (4.4%–83%) components. Adjusted analyses showed a significant association between overall stigma and age (+0.008 points), married status (+0.161 points), living in countries = 10,000 inhabitants (0.174 points), direct experience with dementia (−0.196 points) or social or healthcare volunteering (−0.206 points). At the component level, office work and personal experience with dementia, together with cognitive and behavioral stigma, predicted emotional stigma. Cognitive stigma was associated with older age, married status and higher emotional and behavioral stigma. Technical occupations, prior experience with dementia and emotional and cognitive stigma were linked to behavioral stigma. Social implications These findings suggest that reducing dementia-related stigma requires coordinated, multilevel strategies integrating national policies with local actions, including education for community stakeholders, dementia-friendly environments and accessible support services. Originality/value This study provides novel evidence on public stigma toward dementia by examining its emotional, cognitive and behavioral dimensions in an Italian community sample, highlighting the protective role of direct experience with dementia and small-community living in reducing stigmatizing attitudes.