Dementia: beyond structures of medicalisation and cultural neglect
Dementia: beyond structures of medicalisation and cultural neglect
This chapter discusses the change from the dominant biomedical model of dementia, with its emphasis on disease and loss, towards the humanistic approach - on which Tom Kitwood had an important influence - where the person with dementia is no longer neglected and personhood maintained. Although improvements in care have appeared since then, the stigma in society surrounding dementia is still very strong. And despite all sorts of initiatives and ideas, like that of social citizenship which - among others - is discussed here, the story of people with dementia remains unheard. Raising awareness is done by many organisations, but not always from the person's point of view. This chapter concludes that more needs to be done; awareness raised, stories listened to, and people with dementia recognized as full human beings, deserving dignity and respect.
Keywords: Dementia, Stigma, Personhood, Social citizenship, Awareness
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