Call for Papers

Addressing Dementia-Related Stigma: Global Perspectives, Challenges, and Inclusive Solutions

Guest Editors: Dr. Eimear McGlinchey, Prof. Iracema Leroi, Dr. Laz Eze, Prof. Marcia Cominetti

Submissions open: Thursday, 30 January 2025

Submission deadline: Saturday, 30 August 2025

Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment, & Disease Monitoring (A&D: DADM) invites submissions for a special topics series exploring the multifaceted challenges of stigma associated with dementia and its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. This series seeks to examine stigma in all its forms and contexts—public, structural, internalized—and to explore its influence on access to care, the quality of care provided, and the overall wellbeing of those affected. With a global perspective, the series aims to highlight innovative and inclusive solutions that address these challenges.

The stigma surrounding dementia continues to be a pervasive issue globally, shaping public attitudes, healthcare systems, and individual experiences. It contributes to social exclusion, undermines quality of life, and creates significant barriers to timely and appropriate care. Across diverse settings, stigma restricts the ability of people living with dementia and their caregivers to access the support they need and deserve. Addressing stigma requires a comprehensive approach that challenges societal norms, reforms inequitable policies and financing, and fosters inclusive attitudes and practices.

This special series will take a global perspective on stigma, showcasing experiences and interventions from different regions, cultures, and contexts. Submissions that explore culturally grounded approaches, including those informed by indigenous and traditional knowledge systems, are welcome as part of a broader effort to examine stigma through multiple lenses. We encourage work that highlights the interplay of stigma with economic, systemic, and cultural factors, as well as innovative solutions for stigma reduction across various settings.

We invite contributions from researchers, clinicians, policymakers, advocates, and community leaders that examine the roots and consequences of stigma, its effects on care access and delivery, and strategies to reduce its impact. Submissions may include original research, case studies, policy analyses, or reflective pieces that amplify the voices of people with dementia, caregivers, and underrepresented communities, while also presenting practical and innovative approaches to change.

Submissions open on 30^th January 2025. The strict deadline for submission of papers is 30^th August 2025. All papers will undergo peer review and are subject to the standard author guidelines. Collation of articles into this issue is expected to occur at the end of 2025.

Special Issue Editors:

Dr. Eimear McGlinchey
Prof. Iracema Leroi
Dr. Laz Eze
Prof. Marcia Cominetti