A new nationwide study has revealed that more believe persons with dementia can live fulfilling lives, though stigma associated with the condition remains high.

Key Findings

The comprehensive study, conducted across Singapore, uncovered several important insights about public perceptions of dementia:

Positive Shifts

• 62% of respondents believe persons with dementia can live meaningful and fulfilling lives
• 78% expressed willingness to help a person with dementia if they encountered one in public
• More people are aware of the early signs of dementia compared to previous studies

Areas of Concern

Despite these positive changes, the study also revealed persistent challenges:

• Stigma remains prevalent - many still associate dementia with shame or embarrassment
• Misconceptions persist - some still believe dementia is a normal part of aging
• Delayed help-seeking - stigma contributes to families waiting longer before seeking support

Implications for the Community

These findings highlight the importance of:

1. Continued education about dementia and its impact
2. Reducing stigma through community engagement and awareness campaigns
3. Supporting early intervention by encouraging families to seek help early
4. Building dementia-friendly communities where persons with dementia are included and supported

What We’re Doing

Dementia Singapore continues to work on multiple fronts to address these findings:

• Public education campaigns to increase awareness and reduce misconceptions
• Community programs that bring persons with dementia into everyday activities
• Training programs for businesses and organizations to become dementia-friendly
• Support services for persons with dementia and their caregivers

Get Involved

You can be part of the change:

• Attend our awareness events to learn more about dementia
• Volunteer with us to support our programs
• Share information with your family and friends
• Create a dementia-friendly environment in your workplace or community

For more information about the study or our programs, contact us at info@dementia.org.sg.