Stigma between doctors, patients could prevent early Alzheimer's diagnosis By: Scripps National and last updated 2021-06-29 16:50:20-04 There's a stigma associated with nearly every health condition, but perhaps none is more misunderstood than dementia. âAnd this stigma can really overshadow the fact that people can live with dementia for many years and lead meaningful lives,â said Sarah Lenz Lock, with AARP and the Global Council on Brain Health. AARP recently found that not only do a majority of people think those with dementia are judged harshly by society, but some doctors may also be reluctant to share a potential diagnosis.