A new study reveals a concerning rise in dementia-related stigmatization on Twitter, particularly in North America, coinciding with and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers analyzing over 44,000 tweets found a significant increase in posts expressing stigmatizing views about individuals with dementia, even among caregivers themselves.
“The findings uncover a worrying trend of growing dementia-related stigmatization among the caregivers, manifested by caregivers internalizing publicly-held stigma and projecting negative stereotypes externally as a means to devalue others,” states the study, published in Nature.
The research, which examined tweets from 2013 to 2022, categorized posts into three themes: caregiving challenges, caregiver inspiration strategies, and dementia-related stigmatization. While discussions of caregiving challenges remained consistently prevalent, the proportion of tweets expressing stigmatizing views saw a dramatic jump. From 1.3% between 2013 and 2016, these tweets rose to 4.4% in 2017-2019, and further escalated to 6.1% post-pandemic. This increase, the study authors note, was “troubling and unexpected.”
The tweets revealed both public stigma (negative perceptions held by the general public) and self-stigma (internalization of these stereotypes by individuals with dementia or their caregivers). Some tweets exemplified this by referencing the perceived cognitive abilities of public figures, while others demonstrated caregivers projecting negative stereotypes onto others. One such tweet stated, “You really need to rethink saying he is not senile. I have been caregiver to people with dementia for 15 years. Anybody that listens and looks at him without bias knows he has dementia.”
The study highlights the need for increased support and resources for caregivers, as the challenges they face remain a significant concern. However, it also underscores the urgent need to address the growing stigma surrounding dementia, which can have profound negative impacts on both individuals living with the condition and their caregivers. As the study authors conclude, “This suggests that the challenges faced by caregivers remained a significant concern even after the pandemic, highlighting the need for continued support and resources for caregivers.” The rise in stigmatizing tweets indicates a worrying trend that needs to be addressed to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for those affected by dementia.