Dichotomising dementia: is there another way?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Dementia Studies

Background:

• Contemporary Western societies often frame dementia as either a tragedy or a state of 'living well'.
• These dichotomous views are situated within the broader paradigm of successful aging.
• This simplification risks overlooking the multifaceted reality of the dementia experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze the 'tragedy' versus 'living well' dichotomy in dementia discourse.
• To explore the societal implications of these competing narratives.
• To advocate for a more nuanced understanding that embraces the complexity and fluidity of dementia.

Main Methods:

• Discourse analysis of societal understandings and responses to dementia.
• Critical examination of the 'successful aging' paradigm in relation to dementia.
• Theoretical exploration of competing discourses surrounding dementia.

Main Results:

• The reductionist framing of dementia into binary discourses fails to capture its complexity.
• Societal responses to dementia are shaped by these oversimplified narratives.
• There is a significant risk associated with the emergence of these competing, yet often conflicting, discourses.

Conclusions:

• Acceptance of the fluid and multifaceted nature of the dementia experience is crucial.
• Recognizing multiple realities of dementia is essential for fostering social inclusion.
• Challenging current dementia discourse is necessary to develop a more nuanced understanding that embraces its paradoxical nature.