World’s largest survey on dementia attitudes needs your views

The University is co-leading the survey to help identify misconceptions, and improve people's quality of life
Alzheimer's disease concept, Elderly woman holding brain symbol of missing jigsaw puzzle.

The University of Plymouth is co-leading the largest global survey on people’s attitudes towards dementia – and everyone, of any age and location, is encouraged to take part.
The World Alzheimer Report survey is led at Plymouth by Dr Nicolas Farina from Peninsula Medical School, in collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI).
It explores prevailing attitudes and stigma related to Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia across the globe.

World Alzheimer Report survey

The survey was first run in 2019, with over 70,000 people responding, and revealed unique insights, such as 62% of healthcare professionals globally believing that dementia was a normal part of ageing. This surprising fact shaped engagement with governments worldwide on primary healthcare policy.
Now the team is looking to build upon the previous survey and gain better insights about how attitudes are changing over time.

Dementia is something that affects so many people, directly or indirectly, and we want to ensure that everyone has the best quality of life possible.

In order to do that, we need to understand how the condition is perceived, as that will impact on who seeks and receives a diagnosis, in addition to the care that they receive. The University of Plymouth has a track record of making positive change at national and international level for people with dementia and their carers, and this survey is the next step. 
 

The survey is currently available in over 30 languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish, so we want as many people as possible to take part.

Regardless of whether you have personal experience of dementia or not, your views are really valuable.

Nicolas FarinaNicolas Farina
Associate Professor in Dementia Research

Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research

From basic research discovering the causes of disease, through to evaluating novel ways of delivering care to the most vulnerable people in society, our thriving community conducts adventurous world-leading research.
Transformation in life course, ageing, methodologies, e-health, technology and interventions in health, social care, lifestyle and wellbeing.
 
Dementia and mental health recovery treatment and Alzheimer brain memory disease therapy concept as old trees recovering as a neurology or psychology and psychiatry cure metaphor with 3D illustration elements on a white background.
Ian Sherriff, Academic Partnership Lead for Dementia, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry

Dementia research

The University of Plymouth is at the forefront of advancing dementia research, with a focus on improving the support and quality of life of people with dementia and their carers. 
Coinciding with Dementia Action Week 2024, Ian Sherriff BEM has also spoken to BBC News on the need for more support for families affected by dementia.