Overcoming Stigma In Alzheimer's Disease

By Tiffany Chow, MD, Medical Strategy Director, Neurology

September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day, an international campaign to raise awareness about the impact of this disease. It’s also an opportunity to explore how to overcome the cultural stigma about dementia that can prevent patients and families from seeking timely medical attention.

Anyone who’s ever loved someone with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) knows the heartache of watching them disappear into this disease. Currently around 50 million people are living with Alzheimer’s worldwide, 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. And the number climbs daily, with 10 million new cases added every year.