Understanding Dementia: Beyond Mental Illness

Clarifying Dementia's Classification

Dementia is often questioned as a mental illness, yet its classification warrants clarity:

• Misconceived Categorization: While included in diagnostic manuals for mental illness, dementia's essence as a brain-related condition challenges its alignment with mental health disorders.
• Organic Nature: Unlike chemically based mental illnesses, dementia stems from brain and cell degeneration, akin to physical ailments like cancer.

Challenging Stigmas

The misconception of dementia as a mental illness perpetuates stigma and reluctance to address the condition openly:

• Misplaced Associations: Categorizing dementia alongside mental illness contributes to societal misunderstandings and stigmatization, hindering open discussion and support.
• Societal Biases: Societal norms favouring youthfulness further compound stigma around ageing and conditions like dementia, fostering reluctance to acknowledge and address ageing-related challenges.

Shifting Perspectives

Addressing the stigma surrounding dementia requires challenging misconceptions and fostering inclusivity:

• Education and Awareness: Promoting understanding of dementia's physiological basis and advocating for its recognition as a distinct health concern can combat stigma and encourage empathy.
• Community Integration: Incorporating ageing-related considerations into societal frameworks, including gaming and urban planning, can promote inclusivity and support for ageing populations.