The persistent stigma attached to dementia encourages denial
The persistent stigma attached to dementia encourages denial
InForum; by Carol Bradley Bursack; 9/14/24
Dear Carol: ... At age 70, I was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Theoretically, that diagnosis means that I have a few more memory glitches than normal for my age. A percentage of people with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s disease, but not all. Yet, some family members treat me like I shouldn’t make decisions beyond what I want for dinner. ...
Dear Al: The stigma attached to mental illness, cognitive decline, and even aging, illustrates widespread ignorance of facts. The more people like you speak up the better the future will be for others. ... For now, work on educating your family about MCI. ... Here's a start:
- From the National Institute on Aging: What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
- From The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: Is it Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?
- From Better Health While Aging on YouTube: How to Treat Mild Cognitive Impairment
Editor's note: As hospice and palliative care leaders, your families, friends and communities look to you for expertise in conditions associated with end-of-life care, i.e., dementia. While you should know the characteristics and needs for persons, families, and professionals dealing with advanced dementia, you need to be aware of distinctions with earlier stages of MCI. Pair this with another article in today's newsletter, End-of-life care demand for dementia patients set to surge, study warns.