What would i want? Dementia perspectives and priorities among people with dementia, family carers and service professionals

Abstract

Different perspectives on dementia, held by people with dementia, carers and professionals working in helping service industries, were examined in 111 interviews across Australia in 2017 to add a recipients’ view on what public health campaigning should address. Contrasts were found between the priorities of the different perspectives, plus a common feeling that dementia should become a normal part of social life. Rather than reflecting stigmatising behaviour, all groups expressed a need for knowledge on how to communicate and interact with people with dementia. In contrast to current campaigns, information on prevention and health-care systems were a low priority.