Most people often think that individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Types of Dementia are entirely helpless or unable to contribute to their well-being or society. In reality, many people with dementia can lead meaningful lives with appropriate support.
There is a restaurant in Japan that is called “THE RESTAURANT OF MISTAKEN ORDER” that promotes inclusivity and social integration for people with dementia. They hire waiters/waitresses who have DEMENTIA!
The restaurant helps reduce the stigma associated with dementia by showing that people with this condition can still lead meaningful and productive lives. By interacting with servers who have dementia, customers can gain a better understanding of the challenges they face and develop empathy for those living with dementia.
How dementia is so widely misunderstood:
- Alzheimer’s disease and Related Dementia is a cognitive decline and most people think it’s a NORMAL PART OF AGING which is NOT!
- There’s a misconception that individuals with Alzheimer’s lose their identities and become unrecognizable. While the disease can change behavior and personality, the core identity of the person often remains.
- Some believe that Alzheimer’s and dementia are incurable and that nothing can be done to improve the situation. In reality, there are treatments and interventions that can help manage symptoms and enhance the quality of life for those affected.
- There can be a tendency to blame the person with dementia for their condition, assuming that it’s their fault or the result of poor lifestyle choices. This is not accurate, as the causes of Alzheimer’s and related dementias are complex and not entirely understood.
Challenging these misconceptions and fostering greater understanding and empathy is crucial in providing better care and support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Develop your professional caregiving skills on how to better care and support individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia.
