DEMENTIA LANGUAGE GUIDELINES

DEMENTIA LANGUAGE GUIDELINES

The purpose of this paper is to promote the consistent use of appropriate, inclusive and non stigmatising language when talking about dementia and people with dementia.

What is appropriate language for talking about dementia and why do we need it?

The words used to talk about dementia can have a significant impact on how people with dementia are viewed and treated in our community.

The words used in speech and in writing can influence others’ mood, self-esteem, and feelings of happiness or depression. A casual misuse of words or the use of words with negative connotations when talking about dementia in everyday conversations can have a profound impact on the person with dementia as well as on their family and friends. It can also influence how others think about dementia and increase the likelihood of a person with dementia experiencing stigma or discrimination.

Appropriate language must be:

• • Accurate
• • Respectful
• • Inclusive
• • Empowering, and
• • Non stigmatising

Everyone deserves respect

Respectful language recognises that dementia is not the defining aspect in the life of someone with a diagnosis and does not