Toward an inclusive future: a systematic review on the implications of ageism for people with dementia

Sep 30, 2026

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Ageism remains a pervasive societal issue that significantly affects individuals with dementia, influencing cognitive performance, healthcare access, and social inclusion. This systematic review synthesizes existing research on the implications of ageism for people with dementia, focusing on its impact on cognitive function, stigma, and healthcare disparities. A comprehensive literature search across multiple databases followed PRISMA guidelines; 13 studies met inclusion criteria after screening 515 articles. Results indicate age-related stereotypes worsen cognitive assessment outcomes, contribute to misdiagnosis and anxiety, and are linked to diagnostic delays and differential healthcare treatment. Social stigma further drives isolation and reduced well-being. The review highlights intergenerational programs and public awareness campaigns as mitigation strategies, and calls for policy change, caregiver training, and future research on long-term equitable interventions to reshape perceptions and improve care.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Concept and clinical framing of dementia

Ageism, stigma, and impacts on care and well-being

Methods and evidence synthesis

Literature search and PRISMA screening

Included studies and analyzed outcomes

Key findings and implications

European Journal of Ageing (2026) 23:2 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-025-00899-1](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-025-00899-1) Toward an inclusive future: a systematic review on the implications of ageism for people with dementia Giuseppa Maresca1 · Isabella Veneziani2 · Alessandro Grimaldi1 · Silvia Marino1 · Angelo Quartarone1 · Angela Marra1 Received: 5 May 2025 / Accepted: 21 November 2025 © The Author(s) 2025 Abstract Ageism remains a pervasive societal issue that significantly affects individuals with dementia, influencing cognitive performance, healthcare access, and social inclusion. This systematic review synthesizes existing research on the implications of ageism for people with dementia, focusing on its impact on cognitive function, stigma, and healthcare disparities. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. After screening 515 articles, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for key findings on ageism’s effects. Findings indicate that age-related stereotypes negatively impact cognitive assessments, often leading to misdiagnosis and unnecessary anxiety regarding cognitive decline. Studies show that exposure to negative aging stereotypes correlates with poorer cognitive performance, reinforcing stereotype threat. Additionally, ageism in healthcare settings results in differential treatment, with older adults facing delays in diagnosis and limited access to specialized care. Social stigma further compounds these challenges, contributing to social isolation and decreased well-being among individuals with dementia. Research highlights the role of intergenerational programs and public awareness campaigns in mitigating these effects, promoting inclusivity and reducing ageist attitudes. Addressing ageism requires a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, caregiver training, and societal initiatives to reshape perceptions of aging and dementia. Future research should explore long-term interventions that foster positive aging attitudes and equitable healthcare practices. This review underscores the necessity of dismantling ageist biases to enhance the quality of life and care for individuals with dementia, advocating for a more inclusive and respectful societal framework. Keywords Ageism · Dementia · Cognitive decline · Social stigma · Mental health Introduction The term dementia refers to a syndrome characterized by a combination of signs and symptoms in which at least one cognitive function—such as memory, spatial–temporal orientation, critical judgment, or abstract thinking—is sufficiently impaired to interfere with normal daily activities (Cipriani et al. 2020 ; Mendez 2017) . Common symptoms include confusion, disorientation, difficulty making decisions, impaired judgment, and changes in mood or * Isabella Veneziani [venezianiisabella@gmail.com](venezianiisabella@gmail.com) 1 IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy 2 Department of Economics, Business and Statistics, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy personality (Fymat 2018; McKhann et al. 2011) . The causes of dementia are varied, and symptoms typically worsen overtime, impacting behavior and social interactions (Livingstonet al. 2020). In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that approximately 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, a number projected to double by 2030 and triple by 2050 (WHO 2021) . The most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Contrary to popular belief, dementia is not solely associated with aging; various factors, including genetic predispositions, environmental influences, diet, and lifestyle, may also contribute to its development (Grande et al. 2020 ; Ye et al. 2023) . Beyond its clinical dimension, d

FAQs

How does ageism affect people living with dementia in this review?

Ageism is linked to negative impacts on cognitive assessments, healthcare access, and social inclusion, including stigma-driven isolation and reduced well-being. It also relates to diagnostic delays and biased therapeutic decisions.

What methodology was used to identify studies in the systematic review?

The review conducted a comprehensive literature search across databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus, following PRISMA guidelines. After screening 515 articles, 13 studies met inclusion criteria for analysis.

What mechanisms are highlighted for how ageism influences cognitive outcomes and diagnosis?

The review reports that age-related stereotypes can lead to stereotype threat, poorer cognitive performance, misdiagnosis, and heightened anxiety about cognitive decline.

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by James