Disruptive thinking about Dementia
It is clear that awareness of dementia has increased in our communities, the media and among health and social care staff. Dementia initiatives are seen as “great for raising awareness”.
However, questions are being asked about any benefit from this. People affected by dementia often still don’t have the knowledge they need, whether as a carer, professional or person with dementia. Simple research based evidence about exercise, hydration and sleep is not commonly shared or understood. Too many are left adrift.
For example there is confusion about what must be paid for, and whether you might have to sell your house to pay for care.
Nevertheless, pointless information about magical drinks or untried miracle medication makes the front page of newspapers every week. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has produced guidelines for journalists to help them avoid spreading false hope that distresses and disappoints families. But dementia is now part of the entertainment industry and is used to sell newspapers so it gets ignored.
Professor June Andrews and Mark Butler have been commissioned to undertake a programme of work to disrupt unhelpful thinking about dementia. Contact us to find out more about it!
If you would like more information, you can buy my book Dementia, the One Stop Guide. And if you have any further queries or questions, please contact me at info@juneandrews.net
