Living fully with dementia-words matter
The terms and words people use matter. Words currently used to describe people who are living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s are frequently derogatory and discriminatory. They may be called “demented”, “victim”, and “sufferer,” and the condition described as a “dementing illness” or an “affliction”. Individuals often face social isolation because negative perceptions can fuel misunderstanding, distrust, and add to the challenge of living with the condition. This presents significant barriers to being able to live life fully with dementia and perpetuates the stigmas and misperceptions about the condition.
Language can have tremendous impact on how people living with dementia feel about themselves and how they are treated and considered by others. Using appropriate language is respectful, supportive, and non-discriminatory. The term “person living with dementia” acknowledges that dementia is not the defining aspect in the person’s life, but rather is just one facet of his/her life.
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Click here for the “Living Fully With Dementia: Words Matter” white paper[1]
“The Power of Words” is a wonderful example of the significance words have.
Borrowing from the excellent work developed by Alzheimer’s Australia titled “Dementia Language Guidelines,” as well as interviews and discussions with people living with dementia, the following are some of the Dementia Action Alliance’s recommended words and the rationale for using them found in the white paper.
