Few studies are available in France on social perceptions of Alzheimer's disease, even though the stakeholders involved (decision-makers, professionals, and families) report a negative image of the disease. The National Institute for Prevention and Health Education (INPES) has launched a series of surveys aimed at exploring and analyzing the perceptions, knowledge, and opinions of the general public, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals regarding Alzheimer's disease. The results of the first three studies reveal that social perceptions of Alzheimer's disease are fairly similar regardless of the degree of proximity to or knowledge of the disease: they equate memory loss with Alzheimer's disease, and old age with Alzheimer's disease. The relationship between these perceptions and potential stigmatization of the person with the disease is discussed but requires further research.[article abstract]