Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2025

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
How do Persons With Dementia Suffer?
1University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract:
This essay argues that suffering in persons with dementia is more than a matter of personal experience. It is knowable by others and does not need to rely on the reports of the patient to affirm it. It is even possible for a person to claim not to be suffering-"I'm doing fine"-but for others to conclude to the contrary-"You are suffering." A key property of this objective account is the caregiver observes the suffering. This observation is a product of the work of caregiving and this work relies on perceiving and supporting the mind of the person living with dementia. When that work of mind support is successful, it creates a feeling of being at home. When it is not, suffering ensues.
Related Concept Videos
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Intellectual Disability
Parkinson's Disease: Overview

