Diagnostic Labels, Stigma, and Participation in Research Related to Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Overview

Journal Res Gerontol Nurs

Specialties Geriatrics
Nursing

Date 2010 Jan 19

PMID 20077972

Citations 42

Authors

Linda Garand

Jennifer H Lingler

Kyaien O Conner

Mary Amanda Dew

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Health care professionals use diagnostic labels to classify individuals for both treatment and research purposes. Despite their clear benefits, diagnostic labels also serve as cues that activate stigma and stereotypes. Stigma associated with the diagnostic labels of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can have a significant and negative impact on interpersonal relationships, interactions with the health care community, attitudes about service utilization, and participation in clinical research. The impact of stigma also extends to the family caregivers of individuals bearing such labels. In this article, we use examples from our investigations of individuals with dementia or MCI and their family caregivers to examine the impact of labeling and stigma on clinical research participation. We also discuss how stigma can affect numerous aspects of the nursing research process. Strategies are presented for addressing stigma-related barriers to participation in clinical research on dementia and MCI.

Citing Articles

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