Separate and Unequal: A Time to Reimagine Dementia

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Dementia Care Research

Background:

• COVID-19 significantly impacted residential long-term care, with higher mortality and morbidity rates among older adults with dementia.
• Public health directives led to restrictive 'no visitor' and lockdown policies, exacerbating isolation and negatively affecting residents with dementia.
• Profound stigma and societal disregard for individuals with dementia contributed to discriminatory practices, including segregation in understaffed and unsupportive environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the crisis in dementia care exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To advocate for a paradigm shift in dementia care culture, moving from isolation and control towards inclusion and respect.
• To promote a global coalition focused on justice and creative approaches in dementia care.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a global alliance: Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice.
• Commitment to shifting dementia care culture through education, advocacy, and innovation.
• Utilizing the arts (theatre, improvisation, music) and authentic partnerships with people living with dementia.

Main Results:

• Highlighted profound stigma-related inequities in dementia care during the pandemic.
• Identified discriminatory practices enabled by societal assumptions about people with dementia.
• Established a global coalition dedicated to transforming dementia care.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical failures and inequities in dementia care.
• A culture shift towards inclusion, creativity, justice, and respect is urgently needed.
• Arts-based interventions and genuine partnerships can foster a more supportive and enriching environment for individuals with dementia.