Changing the Narrative on Dementia

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Brookdale Senior Living offers multiple care levels for seniors in more than 600 communities nationwide. Brookdale helps you find the right care plan for yourself or your loved one. With amenities such as transportation services, salons and private dining rooms and activities such as gardening, fitness classes and trivia nights Brookdale caters to a wide range of interests and needs.

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The way we talk about dementia is evolving. With the Alzheimer’s Association reporting that someone in the United States is diagnosed with the disease every 65 seconds, it’s clear we have to find a positive response to the daunting diagnosis. Today’s article in the Washington Post, “Changing ‘the tragedy narrative’: Why a growing camp is promoting a more joyful approach to Alzheimer’s” hits home for us at Brookdale.

Our Response to Dementia Needs a Cultural Shift

One way to improve our response to dementia is a simple change of vernacular. Redefining “caregivers” as “care partners” recognizes that people living with the disease should be just as involved in their care as their loved ones. Peggy and Tom Misciagna, the couple mentioned in the Washington Post, exemplify this idea. Peggy truly partners with Tom in his care, empowering him to take care of himself and offering support when needed. Caregiving implies a one-sided relationship. The word partner implies a two-person job (if not more!).

The Washington Post talks to Brian LeBlanc about using humor as a coping mechanism when facing his own dementia diagnosis. This is a tough disease. At times it’s very frustrating. But taking each situation with a smile and a sense of humor truly yields better results for the person living with the disease and their care partner.

For anyone wanting to switch the narrative in their own mind about aging and dementia, consider looking into the Changing Aging Tour and the Disrupt Dementia Act. Dr. Bill Thomas will leave you renewed, empowered, and with an appreciation for your own aging. I strongly recommend viewing his TED talk for a quick pick-me-up on your role as an elder.

The Importance of Adaptability

This mindset shift is embedded in the culture of our Clare Bridge dementia care communities. Years ago we stopped using the term “suffering from” when talking about dementia. If you spend time in a Clare Bridge, suffering is not what you see. You see life, relationships, acceptance and a whole lot of humor.

Jennifer Carson, a researcher who is quoted in the article, is absolutely right when she says, “Alzheimer’s can be a liberating event, an opportunity to fly.” Due to a lack of inhibition, or a lack of remembering all of those fears that keep us from expressing ourselves, there is a freedom of expression that accompanies dementia. That freedom can truly be fun! At Brookdale, we dance, we sing, we hug, we laugh.

If only they knew!

What’s most exciting about this article is that our quest to change the doom-and-gloom dementia narrative made it to the public square. It’s about time! The willingness to see dementia in a different, more positive light requires adaptability and an open mind for sure, but the results are a better life for everyone involved.