‘The stigma attached isn’t true of real life’: Challenging public perception of dementia through a participatory approach involving people with dementia (Innovative Practice)

Abstract

This paper discusses the potential impact of viewing public performances of an orchestra comprising people with dementia, family members, student volunteers and professional symphony orchestra members in contributing to challenging negative perceptions of dementia. Negative perceptions of dementia abound despite recent policy attempts to challenge the stigma associated with the condition. This paper reports on the findings from the performance element of a music project for people with dementia, known as the BUDI Orchestra, designed to replicate the traditional rehearse and perform cycle of musicians. Data were collected via self-completion questionnaires from audience members ( N = 109) at three public performances. The performances exceeded the expectations of the general public, and findings suggest a positive impact on perceptions of dementia, demonstrating the power and potential of participatory approaches showcasing the achievements of those living with dementia when attempting to raise awareness of dementia and challenge negative perceptions.

Making a university community more dementia friendly through participation in an intergenerational choir

“…Therefore, this study adds to the knowledge base about approaches for building dementia friendly communities (Henwood & Downs, 2014) and reducing dementia stigma (ADI, 2012). It also supports the findings about the benefits of music as a means to foster social interaction and connectedness (Dowlen et al, 2017; Reynolds et al, 2017).…”

Changing perceptions towards dementia: How does involvement in the arts alongside persons with dementia promote positive attitudes?

“…Despite the increasing prevalence of dementia, there is presently still a lack of research in this area, particularly in ways to reduce negative perceptions towards dementia through evidence-based approaches (Kim et al, 2019). Media and literature also often depict dementia negatively and unrealistically, thus influencing perceptions of what it is like to live with dementia (Reynolds et al, 2017). This can further contribute to negative perceptions, rather than deflating the issue as intended (Swaffer, 2014).…”

“…A small evidence base has shown promising results that the experience of interacting with persons with dementia, defined as having personal contact or exposure to them, is associated with prosocial attitudes and willingness to help (Von dem Knesebeck et al, 2014). For example the findings from Reynolds et al’s (2017) study suggest that by involving persons with dementia, it had a positive impact on the audience members by challenging their perceptions of the condition. Many of the audience expressed that through the public performance comprising people with dementia, they are able to see that people with dementia can still contribute within society.…”

“…Many of the audience expressed that through the public performance comprising people with dementia, they are able to see that people with dementia can still contribute within society. The authors suggest that persons with dementia can and should be part of the campaign to raise awareness of dementia (Reynolds et al, 2017). Similarly, in the study by Harris and Caporella (2014), they found that interactions through participation in an intergenerational choir with persons with dementia or individuals with mild cognitive impairment led to a decrease in negative perceptions amongst college students.…”

Dementia knowledge, art, research and education – Teaching primary school children about dementia

“…1 For a number of years the rates of dementia have been increasing in the population. [2][3][4] This is of concern as…”