Receiving a dementia diagnosis is a life-altering moment, but it should never signal the end of a person's identity, dignity, or fundamental rights. This is the powerful argument put forward by writer and advocate Naomi Moylan, who challenges the pervasive societal view that equates a dementia diagnosis with a loss of personhood.
The Human Cost of a Damaging Label
Moylan powerfully contends that the language and attitudes surrounding dementia often do more harm than the condition itself. When society begins to treat an individual as a "shell" of their former self or a mere "patient" to be managed, it commits a profound injustice. This shift in perception can lead to the person being sidelined in decisions about their own life, care, and medical treatment.
The core of the issue lies in the mistaken belief that cognitive decline erases the essence of who a person is. Moylan stresses that while dementia changes how a person experiences and interacts with the world, it does not negate their history, their emotions, their preferences, or their inherent worth. The danger is that well-meaning family members, carers, and even health professionals can unconsciously start speaking about the person rather than to them, making assumptions that strip away their autonomy.
Reclaiming Dignity in Care and Communication
Changing this narrative requires a conscious effort from everyone involved. Moylan advocates for a model of care that is deeply rooted in respect and continued engagement. This means involving the individual in conversations for as long as possible, honouring their lifelong preferences in daily routines, and recognising their emotional responses as valid and meaningful.
Practical steps can make a significant difference. These include:
- Using supported decision-making frameworks long after a diagnosis.
- Focusing on emotional connection and non-verbal communication when words fail.
- Creating environments that are familiar and comforting, not just clinical.
- Listening to the person's life story and incorporating it into their care plan.
The goal is to see the person first, not the disease. It's about valuing moments of joy, connection, and comfort, however they manifest. A person with dementia may not remember a recent visit, but the feeling of being loved and respected during that visit can linger, contributing to their overall sense of wellbeing.
A Call for a Societal Shift in Australia
Moylan's commentary is a crucial call to action for Australian society, healthcare systems, and policymakers. As the population ages and the number of people living with dementia grows, our collective approach must evolve. This involves legal and systemic reforms to better protect the rights of people with cognitive impairment, ensuring they are not easily stripped of their agency.
It also demands a cultural shift. Public awareness campaigns need to move beyond just symptom recognition and towards fostering understanding and empathy. We must challenge the stigma and fear that so often isolate individuals and their families after a diagnosis.
Ultimately, preserving personhood is about upholding human rights. A dementia diagnosis is a chapter in a person's life, not the end of their story. By committing to see the individual beyond the cognitive changes, we can build a more compassionate and just society that supports people to live with dignity, purpose, and connection throughout all stages of life. Naomi Moylan's argument is a timely reminder that how we choose to view and treat some of our most vulnerable citizens is a direct reflection of our own humanity.
