Study: Dementia affects 200,000 Estonians, but few dare to speak about it

A new study reveals that while over a third of Estonian adults have been personally touched by dementia, the disease remains heavily stigmatised. Only 28% of Estonians say they would speak openly about a personal dementia diagnosis, and nearly one in ten would keep it strictly secret.

A newly published study has shed light on the widespread but largely hidden reality of dementia in Estonia, where an estimated 200,000 people are affected by the disease. Despite this scale, social stigma continues to surround the condition, with many Estonians unwilling to speak openly about it even when personally diagnosed.

The research found that more than a third of Estonian adults have encountered dementia in their personal lives — through a family member, friend, or close acquaintance. Yet awareness has not translated into openness. When asked whether they would disclose a personal dementia diagnosis, only 28% of respondents said they would do so openly, while roughly one in ten indicated they would keep it strictly confidential.

## Stigma persists despite widespread impact

The findings point to a deep-rooted reluctance to discuss cognitive decline in Estonian society. Experts have long warned that stigma around dementia can delay diagnosis, limit access to care, and leave both patients and caregivers isolated. When people fear judgment or social exclusion, they are less likely to seek help early, often leading to worse outcomes.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions — including Alzheimer's disease — that cause progressive decline in memory, thinking, and daily functioning. It primarily affects older adults, and as Estonia's population ages, the number of people living with the condition is expected to grow in the coming decades.

## Calls for greater public awareness

Health advocates and patient organisations in Estonia have been pushing for broader public education campaigns to normalise conversations about dementia. Reducing stigma, they argue, is not only a matter of dignity for those diagnosed — it also has direct consequences for the quality and timeliness of care that people receive. The study's results are seen as a clear indicator that more work remains to be done.