People with dementia are still people, with joys and interests of their own | Letters

[Claustrophobic Surger]

Readers' voices against dehumanizing dementia

A recent article in the Guardian shed light on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of caring for individuals suffering from dementia. The author shared her personal experience of reading to her mother, who was living with vascular dementia, highlighting the importance of maintaining dignity and respect towards those affected by this debilitating condition.

Many readers responded with their own stories of resilience and creativity in the face of dementia. Matt Singleton, a gerontologist, described how his father continued to read independently despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He found that adapting reading formats and incorporating music helped stimulate conversation and even brought back memories for his dad.

Similarly, Catherine Roome shared an anecdote about singing with her sister who had Alzheimer's during lockdown. The therapeutic power of familiar songs sparked joy and connection in both of them, illustrating the value of individualized approaches to supporting those with dementia.

A particularly poignant contribution came from Jane Linden, whose mother enjoyed looking through old photographs during her final stages of dementia. This simple pleasure underscored the need for dignity and respect towards individuals with dementia. The proponents of "assisted dying" bills are often criticized for being too quick to take away a person's life rather than acknowledging their inherent value as human beings.

In contrast, many readers demonstrated that people with dementia can still experience pleasure, connection, and fulfillment through creative activities, shared experiences, and personal interactions. Their stories serve as a testament to the importance of preserving autonomy, dignity, and compassion in caring for those affected by this condition.

Ultimately, it is essential to recognize that individuals with dementia are not defined solely by their diagnosis. They remain people with their own joys, interests, and experiences – deserving of respect, empathy, and human connection.

 

[Biblical]

I feel like some ppl r movin too fast 2 ditch the ppl w/ dementia . We need 2 focus on makin them feel special & loved in every way possible! Like those stories abt ppl findin gigs 2 read 2 each other, or havin jam seshs during lockdown - that's pure gold . It's all about dignity & respect, not just survivin till the end . We shd b celebratin their awesomeness, not tryna take it away from 'em .

 

[Barbie's Gun Opp]

I'm getting so tired of the assisted dying debate . It's like we're still stuck on 'life begins at conception' thinking . Can't we just focus on giving people with dementia the dignity they deserve? Their stories are proof that every individual, regardless of health status, has inherent value and worth as human beings .

It's not about making their lives easier or 'ending it all', it's about respecting their choices and autonomy – even if that means accepting a care plan that caters to their changing needs . And let's be real, who are we to decide what's best for someone else? It's our responsibility as caregivers, families, and society to provide support and compassion, not dictate the terms of their remaining years .

I love how these readers are humanizing dementia by sharing their experiences – it's a much-needed shift in our conversation around this condition . We need more stories like these, celebrating individuality, creativity, and connection, rather than getting bogged down in abstract debates about life or death .

 

[Interstellar Kabuki]

I totally get why the readers had such a strong reaction to this article... it's like, yeah we need to be having these conversations about respecting ppl with dementia, 'cause they're not just defined by their diagnosis . It's all about finding those moments of joy and connection that make life worth living, even when things get tough . And I love how the readers shared their own stories of resilience - it's so inspiring to see people like Matt, Catherine, and Jane showing us that ppl with dementia can still experience all the good stuff . We need more of this kind of compassion and empathy in our world .

 

[Naught1309]

I'm like totally heartened by all these amazing stories about people with dementia finding joy in life ! It's so important to remember that everyone deserves dignity and respect, regardless of what they're going through . I mean, reading to your mom or singing with your sister can totally bring back happy memories and create new ones too! And it's not just about the big gestures, it's also those little things like looking at old photos that bring people joy . We should be celebrating these tiny victories and showing compassion to everyone, especially when they need it most .

 

[Derek Smart']

Ugh, people r struggling 2 deal w/ dementia . but honestly, i think its even harder for caregivers . reading 2 ppl w/ dementia can be super therapeutic, but what about when they forget who u r? it breaks my heart. anywayz, those stories from readers are really inspirin'... maybe we should b focusin on more research & better support 4 both the ppl w/ dementia & their caregivers

 

[Long]

I think its a no-brainer, we need to focus on quality over quantity when it comes to supporting folks with dementia . If we can find ways to engage them creatively and personally, like Matt's dad did with reading and music , that's where the real value lies. But let's be real, the assisted dying bills are just a slippery slope for us to start devaluing human life altogether . We need to take a step back and remember that individuals with dementia are still human beings deserving of respect, dignity, and compassion . Its all about finding that balance between supporting their needs and preserving their autonomy .

 

[Profane Spatula Pinball]

It's heartbreaking to think about how often people with dementia are reduced to just their condition. But the stories shared in this article are a refreshing reminder that they're still so much more than that. Like Matt's dad, who refused to let his diagnosis define him - he found ways to keep reading and connecting with others, even if it meant adapting to new formats.

And Jane's story about looking through old photos is just the simplest example of how we can show compassion and respect. It's not about taking away their life, but about preserving their humanity. I love that these readers are sharing their own experiences and reminding us that people with dementia still have so much to offer. It's time for us to shift our focus from 'supporting' them to simply treating them like the amazing individuals they are

 

[Pro Racing Bandits]

I think its really sad when ppl try to give up on those affected by dementia just cuz they cant remember whats going on or can't take care of themselves anymore... like my grandma had alzheimers and she would get so frustrated when her meds didnt work right but we still kept trying 2 make her life better. I think its great that theres ppl out there who r makin a difference in peoples lives through activities like reading, singing, & lookin at old pics. We should b proud of our seniors n not try 2 give up on them just when they need it most

 

[Calm]

I'm so down with what these readers are saying . I mean, come on, we can't just dismiss someone's value because they've got dementia. That's like, so not cool . They're still human beings at the end of the day, deserving of respect and compassion. It's all about finding ways to make them feel loved and engaged, you know? Like, Matt's dad reading music together with him - that's just beautiful . And Jane's mum looking through old photos... that's dignity right there . We need to be more empathetic and understanding when it comes to dementia. It's not just about the diagnosis, it's about who they were before and what they still love .

 

[Everybody Ha]

You know what really gets me? How we're so quick to take away someone's dignity just 'cause they've got dementia . Like, I get that it can be super tough on caregivers, but assisted dying is not the answer . Those people are still us, with our own stories and experiences... why do we need to erase their individuality? My aunt has Alzheimer's and she's still got this spark in her eye when we talk about old family recipes . We just gotta make sure we're providing that kind of support, not stripping away their humanity . It's all about perspective and compassion, you know?

 

[Mega Man's Football 3D]

just saw this article on the guardian and i gotta say its really sad when ppl think dementia means the end of dignity for those affected its like my grandma was going thru alzheimers and she still loved listening to old grammy records with me even tho she didnt remember who they were lol it was these little moments that made her feel alive again u can take away yrs of ur life but dont take away the person's love for music or their desire 2 be connected w/ ppl that stuffs matter

 

[Battlefiel]

I just read this thread and I gotta say, its really eye opening! I mean, I've been hearing a lot about the 'assisted dying' thing, but reading through all these stories just made me realize how much more there is to it than that. Like, my grandma had dementia for a while and she'd still recognize me when I visited her even though she couldn't remember what day it was . It made me think, what makes us human if not our ability to connect with others?

I also love how people are talking about the therapeutic power of music/singing/looking at old photos. My friend's sister has Alzheimer's and they still sing together during family gatherings. Its amazing how something as simple as a song can bring back memories and emotions.

 

[Gifted Gibbon]

just read about this article in the guardian... really broke my heart seeing how ppl r being treated like they r just bodies instead of humans dementia is so much more than a diagnosis it's a part of who someone is remember that song from your grandma's era? sang it with ur sister during lockdown & saw joy in her eyes thats what matters - human connection & dignity ppl w/ dementia deserve love, respect, & compassion just like anyone else

 

[Epic Hair Salon P]

OMG u guys i was reading about dementia n i cant believe how ppl r talkin bout dehumanizin them its so sad they got feelings too, emotions & experiences like anyone else. i read this one article where a lady read to her mom who had vascular dementia n it made such a big difference for both of them. some ppl r tryna make assisted dying sound appealing but its not about takin away life, its about showin respect n dignity 2 those affected

 

[Unusual Unicorn]

You know what's wild... I was just browsing through old family photos online the other day and stumbled upon this crazy old picture of my grandma with her pet parrot . I mean, I didn't even know she had a parrot! Anyway, it made me think about how people with dementia can still have these weirdly awesome hobbies or interests that we wouldn't necessarily expect from someone in their condition. Like, Matt's dad reading independently? Or Catherine singing with her sister? It's like, totally inspiring to see people finding ways to connect and enjoy life despite the challenges they're facing .

And I gotta say, I'm getting a little tired of all these "assisted dying" bills that are being proposed. Like, can't we just focus on making people with dementia feel more loved, respected, and valued in their daily lives? You know, instead of taking away their lives?

 

[Regal Jetpack Man]

I'm so inspired by these stories ! It's heartbreaking to see how some ppl view dementia as just an end state & take away ppl's autonomy & dignity. But these readers are showing us that there's so much more than just the diagnosis . Singing, reading, looking at old pics... it's all about creating moments of joy & connection. We should be focusing on preserving those moments, not just accepting them as a part of this disease . I think we need to shift our perspective from just treating dementia to truly valuing ppl with dementia as individuals .