Even working exclusively night shifts, I care for a patient living with dementia almost every shift I work in the ER.
There are so many challenges the person faces themselves, but also the people who are advocating on their behalf.
To do right by those affected all over the world our collective approach to dementia urgently needs a paradigm shift.
That’s why I was so excited to have been introduced to “Reimagining Dementia” – a creative coalition that’s igniting a global movement to reshape how we perceive, understand, and support those affected by dementia.
Three reasons why Reimaging Dementia is needed.
1. The Snowball Effect of Sparking Conversations
Diseases that cause dementia, affect millions worldwide, and continue to be clouded in misunderstanding and silence.
By initiating and creating space for conversations, a powerful ripple effect of awareness and education is possible.
Reimagining Dementia is facilitating this by connecting people all over the world, bringing them together to strategize how to spread awareness and effect change.
As more people become informed about dementia, its many causes, various symptoms, and available care options, communities can be empowered to collectively ask for better resources, care, and support.
Awareness empowers those affected to start asking for what is needed to solve their problems.
In response, local businesses and organizations can come up with solutions on a community level to meet these needs. It’s a setup for creating a snowball effect of win-win situations.
2. Addressing the Stigma
Stigma is perhaps one of the most insidious aspects of dementia.
I could speak to this “ad nauseam” from the healthcare side of things.
The medical community needs a reboot of both mindset and approach towards dementia care in and outside of hospitals.
There is so much work that needs to be done.
Addressing healthcare professionals’ biases surrounding care of people living with dementia should be up at the top of the “to do” list.
Both laypeople and the medical community need to be taught, or reminded, that all is not lost after a diagnosis of a disease-causing dementia.
People living with dementia are deserving of, and will benefit from, care that incorporates inclusion, relationality, creativity, and joy.
The Reimagining Dementia coalition addresses stigma through promoting this humanizing approach.
I believe they have the power to reshape the narrative in the minds of laypeople and in doing so, the medical community.
3. A Path to Earlier Diagnosis and Access to Resources
At least one time per week in the ER I care for someone with “short term memory loss” who has not been diagnosed formally.
We know diseases causing dementia are underreported, but why?
I believe lack of access to general health education and misinformation are part of the problem.
What if the signs and symptoms were widely known?
How would things be different if it was understood that the symptoms are not a normal part of aging?
Stigma and fear are two other reasons I hear from patients and their families about why they have not been diagnosed.
Imagine a world where after a diagnosis it was not common for a person to feel afraid, they would inevitably live with cognitive and physical decline.
Reimagining Dementia’s efforts in facilitating conversations, increasing awareness, and shining a light on stigma could help make this happen faster.
The earlier people reach out for help, the more likely we will be able to intervene with medical treatment, lifestyle interventions, and resources.
More people voicing more need for resources overall can help increase research and development of novel treatment and prevention strategies.
In my eyes Reimaging Dementia represents a rallying cry for change.
As a physician, I’m excited by how this collaborative coalition is reshaping conversations and reigniting hope.
Reimaging Dementia is empowering us to look beyond the stereotypes, fears, and misinformation that have long defined diseases causing dementia.
Ultimately, I see it as a movement towards improving quality of life for those affected and the people who advocate for them.
Learn more and join in here: www.reimaginingdementia.com
Want to learn more about my work to help families navigate medical decisions for their person living with dementia?
Come join me on social media (see Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn buttons at the bottom or top of this page) or send me an email at brittanylamb@blambmd.com.