We’re changing the world of cognitive impairment by changing a word.
The problem with “dementia/demented”
The words “dementia” and “demented” originate from the Latin word demens, meaning “out of mind” or “without mind” and are synonymous with “mad” or “insane.”
Inaccurate. Outdated. Stigmatizing.
Today, the word “dementia” is used to describe decline in cognitive function and is commonly associated with aging and Alzheimer’s. There is a growing consensus around the need to change the word “dementia,” as it is stigmatizing, inaccurate, and outdated.
Originating from the Latin words for “absence of mind” and “mad” or “insane,” the word “dementia” and its adjective form “demented” has been shown in studies to perpetuate harmful stereotypes depicting older adults. What’s more, the medical community recognizes the term as inadequate and nonspecific in describing cognitive impairment, since it broadly characterizes 100+ neurodegenerative diseases.
demented de·ment·ed /dəˈmen(t)əd/
1: mad, insane
2: affected by or exhibiting cognitive dementia
synonyms: psychotic, insane, nuts, maniac, crazy, lunatic, mad, maniacal, mental, gaga, crazed, psycho, deranged, paranoid, disturbed, loony, whacky, unhinged, cuckoo, screwy, bonkers…
Join the Initiative.
Together, we’re changing the way we talk about cognitive impairment. Join us in eliminating the use of the “D-word.”