Highlights
- •Stigma is influenced by the way dementia has been represented through history.
- •The concepts of dementia are interpreted, assimilated or rejected by individuals.
- •Through enculturation the views on dementia are transmitted through generation.
Abstract
Background
The stigma associated with dementia may be influenced by how the condition has been
socially constructed throughout history.
Objectives
To conduct a systematic review tracing the historical representations of dementia,
from the perspectives of cultural transmission theory and social constructivism.
Methods
A systematic search was run on five electronic databases: Wellcome Library, PsycINFO,
CINAHL, IBSS, and EMBASE. Articles were screened and analysed through deductive content
analysis. We further applied a communication system theory to graphically describe
how dementia has been experienced through time.
Results
Ten primary sources and 33 secondary sources were consulted. Seven themes emerged
from the analysis: a problem of aging; use it or lose it; divine punishment; loss
of agency; psychosis and insanity; brain degeneration and objectification; and dementia
as a social condition. Each theme corresponds to a particular way of conceptualising
dementia and has influenced modern representations of the condition.
Conclusion
Past characterisations of dementia have influenced modern views of the condition.
It is through enculturation that these views are interpreted, assimilated, or rejected
by individuals and transmitted within and across cultures. A better understanding
of the social construction of dementia can improve public health approaches to rehabilitation
and care.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 17, 2018
Accepted:
November 15,
2018
Received in revised form:
November 13,
2018
Received:
October 24,
2018
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
