ANU researcher Dr Sarang Kim has received the Hazel Hawke Research Grant in Dementia Care from the Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation for her project Dementia Stigma Reduction (DESeRvE): A randomised controlled trial to reduce dementia related stigma in the general public.

“Dementia is a highly stigmatised condition. It is undoubtedly harmful, leading to low self-esteem, isolation and poorer mental health outcomes in people with dementia and increased stress in caregivers. Stigma can also prevent people from seeking help. It is therefore vital to develop programmes to reduce the stigma of dementia and in doing so, improve the lives of people living with dementia and their family and carers," said Dr Kim.

"Health care, workplaces and retirement villages will be able to use this intervention to educate their residents and employees about dementia and reduce dementia-related stigma. This intervention programme will also be available to policymakers.”

Read more about Dr Kim's research on the Alzheimer's Australia Dementia Research Foundationwebsite.