Dementia: Cultural Perceptions, Stereotypes, And Myths
Dementia is a condition you may have heard about in the media, news, or popular culture, but how much of what you’ve heard is true? Although dementia research continues to progress, it often remains shrouded in stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions. These can create challenges for people with dementia and make it harder for them to seek care. To better understand this complex illness, it may help to take a closer look at some of these cultural misconceptions. For example, many believe that dementia cannot be treated. While a cure doesn’t currently exist for dementia, various treatments, including therapy, can reduce dementia symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life.
What is dementia?
Dementia can be defined as a group of symptoms with various causes, like illnesses and injuries, that affect the brain, leading to changes in a person’s thinking, communication, memory, personality, and more. According to the World Health Organization, dementia is considered one of the leading causes of death and disability among older adults, with more than 55 million people living with it worldwide.
Common signs of people living with dementia
Symptoms of dementia can look different depending on the person and the cause. That said, some of the most common signs include the following:
- Memory loss
- Trouble communicating and expressing thoughts
- Mood swings, depression, and anxiety
- Changes in personality
- Inappropriate behavior
- Trouble with movement and balance
- A loss of interest in activities and relationships
Dementia tends to be progressive. This means its symptoms might be mild at first, but they often worsen over time. When a person first develops dementia, they might notice subtle changes in their memory, mood, or ability to do daily tasks. As dementia progresses, people tend to need higher levels of personal and medical care. By the late stages, it can be common to need ongoing dementia care to do basic tasks like eating, bathing, and going to the bathroom.
Dementia: Cultural perceptions vs. reality
Through the work of medical and mental health professionals, our understanding of dementia continues to grow. That said, dementia can still be the subject of misunderstandings. From cultural representations of dementia as a life-ruining illness to media popularizing dementia “cures” and “foolproof” prevention strategies, there can be a lot of myths to sift through.
Clearing up dementia cultural perceptions and myths
To address this, it may help to clear up some of the most common cultural misunderstandings about dementia.
Myth: Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the same thing
Reality: Media and popular culture often use the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” interchangeably. This can be a common misunderstanding. The term “dementia” typically describes a group of similar but separate conditions. Although Alzheimer’s may be the most common type, there are several other forms of dementia, including those listed below:
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Mixed dementia
Each of these forms of dementia usually has a slightly different cause. For example, Lewy body dementia is normally caused by a buildup of protein in the brain, while vascular dementia can be caused by issues with blood flow to the brain.
Myth: Dementia only affects older people
Reality: Dementia is often thought of as a condition that only affects older adults. While it’s true that dementia often starts later in life, younger people can develop it, too. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, around one in 1,000 people under age 65 develops dementia. This is known as “young-onset dementia” or “early-onset dementia.”
Myth: People with dementia can’t think, learn, communicate, or enjoy life
Reality: A dementia diagnosis is often seen as a “death sentence.” Some scholars have even argued that the word “dementia” has become a cultural metaphor for doom and despair.
In 2020, researchers analyzed several decades’ worth of details on dementia in popular culture. They noted that in cultural depictions, people with dementia are often portrayed as severely impaired with no quality of life. This may lead people to worry that their life is “over” after a dementia diagnosis.
In reality, it is often possible for people with dementia to live meaningful and enjoyable lives. Person-centered care practices can empower individuals to make decisions about their health care and level of independence while accounting for cultural differences and preferences.
Lifestyle changes like exercise, meaningful hobbies, and social interaction can also raise the quality of life of people with dementia.
Myth: It’s possible to cure or prevent dementia
Reality: You may have encountered products and services claiming to cure or prevent dementia. It’s true that you may be able to lower your risk of dementia by living a healthy lifestyle and staying mentally active. However, while these steps can be helpful, they aren’t necessarily a guarantee. Other factors, like age and genetics, may also play a role in dementia risk. While lifestyle changes may also help people who have dementia, there is currently no treatment that can reverse it.
Myth: Dementia & Alzheimer’s disease are untreatable
Reality: Even though dementia can’t currently be cured, it can often be managed with proper medical intervention. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, certain medications may reduce dementia symptoms and slow the progression of the illness. By getting an early diagnosis, you may be able to start treatment and maintain your brain health for as long as possible.
Certain types of therapy may also be helpful for people with dementia. For example, cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) typically uses group or individual activities to improve concentration, memory, and communication skills. Cognitive rehabilitation is another type of therapy that may be helpful. It typically focuses on preserving life skills while honing memory and attention.
Online therapy for dementia and other mental health conditions
Staying consistent may help people with dementia get the most out of therapy. This can be easier if you have a therapist with whom you enjoy working. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp let you change therapists whenever you want, for any reason. This may make it easier to find the right therapist for you.
Research shows that online therapy may help reduce depression, which can be common among people with dementia.
In a 2017 review, researchers looked at details from 373 studies of internet-based therapy. They found that online therapy could be effective at treating depression and other mental health concerns.
Takeaway
How do people living with dementia see other people?
Why is cultural understanding relevant to dementia care?
How does dementia affect health and wellbeing?
Why is dementia a global health issue?
What's the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
What are dementia cultural perceptions around the world?
Which ethnic group is most affected by dementia?
Why is dementia an important issue in society?
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