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Learning about a heightened genetic risk for dementia: Expected stigma is greater than experienced stigma.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study design: Observational Study

Abstract: carrier experiential group. The largest expectation-experience gaps concerned competence and social belonging. These findings suggest that older adults overestimate the social consequences of learning they are at genetic risk for AD. Theoretically, the results add to our understanding of the disability paradox, which refers to outsiders predicting worse life outcomes for people with chronic conditions than those individuals report themselves. Our findings show similar mispredictions occur even in the absence of symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Psychology and Aging

DOI: 10.1037/pag0000970

Authors: Shana D. Stites, Mehek Dedhia, Kristin Harkins, Jason Karlawish, Jessica B. Langbaum, Mara Mather, Sarah J. Barber

Institutions: University of Pennsylvania, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, University of Southern California, Georgia State University

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Alzheimer's Association, Amgen, University of Pennsylvania, Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation, GHR Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Fidelity Biosciences, Novartis Pharma, National Institute on Aging

Awards: Study of Cognitive Symptoms and Future Time Perspective in Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease, G6666506566, Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative APOE4 Trial, Study of the Psychosocial Effects of Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease

OpenAlex ID: W7131073408

FWCI: 8.995

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Cited by: 2

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