title: Perceived stigma in persons with early-stage dementia: Longitudinal findings: Part 1.
abstract: This longitudinal study examined perceived stigma in persons with dementia, with 50 persons with dementia, and 47 corresponding family caregivers. Data were collected at baseline and at 6, 12, and 18 months. Study results are reported in two parts, with findings regarding the stability of perceived stigma, measured using the modified Stigma Impact Scale, and relationship of stigma to person-centered variables being reported here. Findings included stability in perceived stigma, which did not show a downward trend until 18 months. Significant differences at baseline were found only for geographic location (rural vs. urban) with persons living in urban areas having higher levels of Stigma Impact Scale internalized shame compared to rural counterparts. Cognitive functioning was significantly, positively related to the Stigma Impact Scale social rejection and social isolation subscales. Findings support the enduring nature of perceived stigma over the early disease stages and the relationship of perceived stigma to some person-centered characteristics.
authors: Biobehavioral Nursing, University of Illinois College of Nursing, IL, USA sburgenr@illinois.edu.
authors: Sandy C
authors: SC
authors: Burgener
authors: DW Reynolds Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, College of Nursing, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, USA.
authors: Kathleen
authors: K
authors: Buckwalter
authors: Office for Nursing Research and Scholarship, College of Nursing, University of Iowa, IA, USA.
authors: Yelena
authors: Y
authors: Perkhounkova
authors: School of Geriatric Nursing and Care Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.
authors: Megan F
authors: MF
authors: Liu
authors: Gerontology Department, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Riley
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA.
authors: Carol J
authors: CJ
authors: Einhorn
authors: School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC, USA.
authors: Suzanne
authors: S
authors: Fitzsimmons
authors: School of Medicine, Center for Alzheimer Disease & Related Disorders, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA.
authors: Carolyn
authors: C
authors: Hahn-Swanson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population; D012752:Shame; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology; D057545:Social Stigma; D014505:Urban Population
keywords: dementia; disease stage; living situation; person-centered characteristics; stigma