Effects of clinical stage, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and living arrangement on social distance towards people with dementia

Social distance is higher toward PLWD who live alone and exhibit BPSD than toward those who live with family and/or do not show BPSD, indicating a higher risk of exclusion for the former. Moreover, factors affecting social distance towards PLWD vary across different clinical stages of dementia. While greater knowledge about dementia is associated with lower social distance toward PLWD, this effect appears to be most pronounced in the mild stage. In contrast, opportunities for social contact with PLWD are crucial for achieving lower social distance across all stages of dementia. The findings underscore the need for stage-specific interventions to address stigma, with a focus on education and opportunities for social contact. Targeted efforts are especially important for promoting the inclusion of PLWD who live alone and exhibit BPSD.