People with dementia, their carers and families worldwide continue to experience stigma, discrimination and human rights violations. Moreover, dementia is frequently misconceived as a natural and inevitable part of ageing. The first step to dispelling myths and stereotypes is to provide accurate information to improve public understanding of dementia.

The Global dementia action plan recognizes this by focusing one action area on increasing public awareness, acceptance and understanding of dementia and sets global targets of reaching 100% of countries with at least one functioning public awareness-raising campaign on dementia and 50% of countries with at least one dementia-friendly initiative (DFI) to foster a dementia-inclusive society. 

The GDO measures country progress by collecting information on the availability of awareness raising campaigns and detailed information regarding the existence of dementia-friendly initiatives to improve physical and social environment, including for people with dementia. Moreover, the GDO collects information regarding the inclusion of all action areas into available dementia plans, including dementia awareness and friendliness.