The efficacy of anti-stigma initiatives in reducing dementia stigma in young people: A systematic review protocol

The aim of this study is to identify and describe the available published research on anti-stigma initiatives aimed at young people that seek to reduce dementia stigma. Stigma towards those diagnosed with dementia is a recognised problem. The World Health Organisation (WHO) have devised a Global action plan that aims to improve the lives of people with dementia, so they can live with dignity and respect. Integrated into the plan is a focus on dementia awareness and friendliness which aims to reduce stigma using planned programmes that target a range of communities within the general public, including school students. Initiatives to reduce stigma have been described in previous papers however, this has previously not been limited to adolescents. This is despite the WHO targeting namely school students amongst the communities who would benefit from dementia awareness and friendliness programmes. Therefore, this systematic review will focus on adolescents aged 10-18 years old, to understand whether such interventions are effective in reducing dementia stigma.