Dichotomising dementia : is there another way?

Mc Parland, P; Kelly, F; Innes, A

Abstract

This article discusses the reduction of the complex experience of dementia to a
dichotomised ‘tragedy’ or ‘living well’ discourse in contemporary Western society.
We explore both discourses, placing them in the context of a successful ageing
paradigm, highlighting the complex nature of dementia and the risks associated
with the emergence of these arguably competing discourses. Specifically, we
explore this dichotomy in the context of societal understandings and responses to
dementia. We argue for an acceptance of the fluid nature of the dementia
experience, and the importance of an understanding that recognises the multiple
realities of dementia necessary for social inclusion to occur. Such an acceptance
requires that, rather than defend one position over another, the current discourse
on dementia is challenged and problematised so that a more nuanced
understanding of dementia may emerge; one that fully accepts the paradoxical
nature of this complex condition.

Citation

Mc Parland, P., Kelly, F., & Innes, A. (2017). Dichotomising dementia : is there another way?. Sociology of Health and Illness, 39(2), 258-269. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9566.12438

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 11, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Feb 8, 2017
• Publication Date: Feb 8, 2017
• Deposit Date: Oct 5, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 8, 2019
• Journal: Sociology Of Health & Illness
• Print ISSN: 0141-9889
• Electronic ISSN: 1467-9566
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 39
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 258-269
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9566.12438
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-9566.12438
• Related Public URLs: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1467-9566
• Additional Information: Funders : Funder not known