A new survey reveals nearly one third of Australians believe people living with dementia are “frightening”, sparking calls for greater awareness and understanding during Dementia Action Week.

The national survey also found 80 per cent of loved ones believe people living with dementia are treated differently in places like shops, cafes and restaurants.

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Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe says stigma and discrimination of people living with dementia remains at concerning levels.

“What we don’t understand we often avoid, and that’s sadly the experience of people with dementia,” Ms McCabe said.