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Dissonant dementia: neuropsychiatry, awareness, and contradictions in cognitive decline

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  • James Rupert Fletcher

    (University of Manchester)

  • Carol Maddock

    (Swansea University)

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of contemporary neuropsychiatric meaning-making regarding dementia, encompassing distinct beliefs, practices and objects, and the peculiarities of its fragmented public manifestations. First, some core neuropsychiatric beliefs are discussed, arguing that the designation of those beliefs as exceptional truths engenders an imperialist ethic whereby the beliefs must be spread into other populations. Second, the enactment of this spread through dementia awareness is considered, whereby people are presented as having wrong beliefs to justify the promotion of alternative correct knowledge. Third, some emerging contradictions within neuropsychiatric dementia are outlined, as moves toward early diagnosis and “living well” sit uneasily beside notions of dementia as a frightening epidemic. The paper concludes that this produces dissonant dementia wherein contradictory meanings are held together. Finally, it is suggested that this dissonance will likely continue, underpinned by specific interests.

Suggested Citation

  • James Rupert Fletcher & Carol Maddock, 2021. "Dissonant dementia: neuropsychiatry, awareness, and contradictions in cognitive decline," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:8:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-021-01004-4
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-021-01004-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Lüdecke & Olaf Knesebeck & Christopher Kofahl, 2016. "Public knowledge about dementia in Germany—results of a population survey," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 61(1), pages 9-16, January.
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