Dementism: A New Line of Inquiry in Dementia Studies From a Social Psychological Perspective

The progression of dementia often leads to significant life changes, with particular emphasis placed on memory decline and increased forgetfulness. People living with dementia (PlwD) are frequently subjected to stereotyping as profound forgetful individuals, a phenomenon termed dementism. This paper develops a comprehensive conceptual framework of dementism grounded in the social psychological theory of ageing. The proposed framework identifies four key psychosocial factors: emotional reactions and beliefs, social attribution, exclusion and avoidance, and denial of humanness. This framework does not aim to replace existing social research paradigm in dementia studies but rather offer novel theoretical insights through a critical lens to advance the field. We argue that psychosocial and cultural principles are fundamental to dementia care, emphasising the importance of valuing personhood and the subjective experiences of PlwD. This approach promotes enhanced sensitivity, social equality and justice in dementia care practices. Building on this framework, we conclude with targeted recommendations for future research, particularly focusing on strategies to prevent discriminatory behaviours towards PlwD. We propose that implementing antioppressive practices can help remediate dementism and foster more inclusive respectful care environments. This framework provides a foundation for understanding and addressing the complex psychosocial challenges faced by PlwD, ultimately contributing to more dignified and person-centred approaches to dementia care.