Stigma and Alzheimer's Disease: Behavioral Consequences for Support Groups

Abstract

Using Goffman's theoretical work on stigma, we completed an exploration of stigma and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using a longitudinal research design, 11 primary caregivers of AD patients were interviewed four times during the first year after diagnosis. Wefound indications of stigma and AD and noted the reactions of support group members. Implications of support group members'reactions to the stigma of AD were reported as to the consequences of the AD patient and the primary caretaker. We note the importance of knowledge of the social psycho logical consequences of AD in the applied setting.