Promoting Youth Awareness and Understandings of Dementia

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Abstract

More than 47 million people globally currently have dementia, and this number is estimated to double by 2030 and triple to 131.5 million by 2050. Cultivation of “dementia-friendly” societies and a workforce to care for those affected is essential to mitigate dementia’s social and economic burden and help older adults meaningfully participate in society. Given that knowledge, attitudes, and interest are all interconnected, it is critical to address the failure to genuinely interest and educate youth in understanding dementia, institutionalized ageism, and stereotypes that devalue older individuals with dementia and those who care for them in order to meet the future needs of our aging societies. This article reports on the Youth Dementia Awareness Symposium and its outcomes, including the development of the Spare a Thought for Dementia campaign, which is intended to highlight local initiatives and encourage youth engagement within the community.