Stigma, Dementia, and COVID-19: Insights from social media and lived experience

Stigma of dementia is one of the greatest barriers for people living with dementia and their care partners. Studies show that stigma can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, and depression. However, a paucity of research examines stigma of dementia during the pandemic. In this presentation, Dr. Juanita-Dawne Bacsu, Myrna Norman, and Wayne Hykaway explore stigma of dementia in the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing insights from Twitter research and lived experience. They also identify strategies for moving forward to address stigma of dementia in the pandemic.

Presenters
Dr. Juanita-Dawne Bacsu, Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Nursing and Population Health; Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Thompson Rivers University

Advocates for People with Dementia and Caregivers
Myrna Norman, Patient Perspective
Wayne Hykaway, Caregiver Perspective

A 10th annual Okanagan Embrace Aging event
co-supported by the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, UBC Okanagan; Interior Savings Credit Union; and Interior Health

March 8, 2023