Is Dementia the new Cancer? Stigma, social isolation and community support.
Authors: Scammell, J. and Purandare, L.
Conference: STTI 4th European Regional Conference
Dates: 3-6 June 2018
Abstract:Dementia is the leading cause of death in those aged 80 or over in the UK, a trend reflected across the industrialised world (ONS 2016). A recent survey of 9,000 people over 50 (Saga Healthcare 2016) showed that dementia was a feared more than other conditions including cancer. Dementia has replaced cancer as the condition most spoken about in whispers. There are parallels between contemporary stigmatised attitudes to dementia and those associated with cancer 20 years ago. This paper will briefly explore these, and suggest a link to social isolation in those affected by dementia. Two exemplars of supportive community and care-based initiatives will be considered. Responding to the prevalence of dementia and an aging population, the UK Prime Minster launched a ‘Challenge on Dementia’, to improve the care and support of people living with this condition. (DoH 2015). Dementia was touted as the ‘new cancer’, with reference to increasing care funding and research towards levels associated with that condition. There are other similarities: like cancer, dementia is a common disorder; it appears to be indiscriminate and is therefore feared. Cure of some cancers is now a reality; not the case with dementia. Unlike cancer, dementia symptoms often emerge over years before a diagnosis is made; the person may seem a little odd, or display inappropriate speech or behaviour. Little understood, the effect often results in the person with dementia and their partner withdrawing from their social circles, becoming isolated from their usual support network. Discussing cancer has become more socially acceptable and social networks and support groups are well established. Can we learn from the experience of cancer services to improve support for people with dementia and their carers? Two exemplars are discussed: the Dementia Friends initiative and carer support in care homes. References Department of Health (2015) Prime Minister’s Challenge on dementia 2020. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prime-ministers-challenge-on-dementia-2020 Acessed 17 November 2017.
Office of National Statistics (2016) Deaths registered in England and wales (series DR): 2016. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregisteredinenglandandwalesseriesdr/2016 Accessed 17 November 2017.
Saga Healthcare (2016) Dementia feared more than cancer, new Saga survey reveals. Available from: https://www.saga.co.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2016/may/older-people-fear-dementia-more-than-cancer-new-saga-survey-reveals.aspx Accessed 17 November 2017.
Key words: Dementia; social isolation; stigma; cancer; community support
Source: Manual