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LSE researchers undertake world’s largest survey on attitudes to dementia

We have little information about people’s attitudes and perceptions about dementia worldwide.
- Dr Sara Evans-Lacko
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Researchers at the Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU) at LSE are to undertake the world’s largest survey on people’s attitudes to dementia.

The LSE team have been commissioned by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) to undertake the research which will form the basis of ADI’s World Alzheimer Report 2019. The survey will be live on ADI’s website from 15 April until 15 June 2019.

Evidence shows people often delay seeking help when they are worried about their memory or that of a friend or family member and the researchers hope the survey will explore why this is the case.

The LSE team and ADI are seeking feedback from four key groups in the survey: the general public, health and care professionals, people living with dementia and carers of people living with dementia, in an attempt to create the world’s biggest survey on attitudes around dementia.

Commenting, Dr Sara Evans-Lacko from the PSSRU at LSE said: “It is projected that the numbers of people living with dementia will increase from 44.35 million in 2013 to 135.46 million in 2050. This is a global issue with considerable public health significance.

“However, we have little information about people’s attitudes and perceptions about dementia worldwide. With this survey we are seeking to establish an understanding of current attitudes about dementia and gather data on first hand experiences of people living with dementia and their carers around the world. We hope that responses will help us to support the development of more accessible services and support and to help individuals live well with dementia.”

 ADI CEO, Paola Barbarino, added: “This is an important opportunity for us to discover what is happening in the wider community around dementia so we can better understand what barriers exist globally and how to approach and overcome them.”

“It is hoped this survey and subsequent report will address stigma in all its forms, make clear what the consequences are for people living with dementia globally and what can be done about it.”

The questions in the survey are predominantly multiple choice and the survey is fully anonymous. It is accessible and available both on and offline in 27 languages.

Behind the article

About PSSRU

The Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU) is an international research centre working mainly in the areas of long-term care (social care), mental health, developmental disabilities and other health issues. Since 2009, it has been awarded over 100 new research grants, totalling £30 million, and has been involved in a number of key policy and practice developments. For more information, please visit www.lse.ac.uk/pssru.

About Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)

ADI is the international federation of 94 Alzheimer associations around the world, in official relations with the World Health Organization. ADI's vision is prevention, care and inclusion today, and cure tomorrow. ADI believes that the key to winning the fight against dementia lies in a unique combination of global solutions and local knowledge. ADI works locally, by empowering Alzheimer associations to promote and offer care and support for persons with dementia and their care partners, while working globally to focus attention on dementia and campaign for policy change. For more information, please visit www.alz.co.uk