As always, articles on language are of great interest to me, especially as I continue to hear people with dementia being referred to as ‘demented’, or as ‘suffering’ from, or ‘sufferers’.

Perhaps even worse, this year ‘we’ were collectively referred to as “…the weakest amongst us…“! Frankly, this last one would be unbeleivable, if it wasn’t true.

Saying ‘demented’ isn’t just outdated – it’s stigmatising. Dr Jodi Watt explains why language matters and how we can do better.

If you take away just one thing from this post, let it be this: we’re not using the word ‘demented’ anymore. It’s time we let go of that outdated, harmful term. It strips people of their dignity and reinforces damaging stereotypes. And frankly, we can do better.

In this post, I’ll unpack why the language we use is so important, how terms like these fuel stigma, and why it’s time to shift the conversation to something more respectful and person-centred.

Why ‘demented’ does more harm than good

Language isn’t static – it evolves with us, not only reflecting our beliefs but actively shaping how we see the world and each other, and ultimately, how we treat people. The term “demented” isn’t just a clinical label; the baggage it carries is heavy. It evokes loaded imagery of chaos, confusion and a loss of self that paint an incomplete and often frightening picture of dementia.

When we use terms like “demented”, we’re not being neutral – we are reinforcing stigma, alienating people with lived experience, and reducing multi-faceted lives down to a singular label, a stereotype defined by decline and incapacity. In turn, this alienates individuals and also reinforces social stigma, making it harder for people to feel understood or accepted. If you’re someone living with dementia, or close to someone who is, I doubt you need me to tell you this, you’ve seen the weight that words can carry.” Read the full article here www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-why-saying-demented-isnt-just-wrong-its-harmful/

It is time for everyone, especially those working in the field of dementia who are paid staff of dementia charities and other dementia specific organisations, as well as researchers and as health care professionals. It is never to late to be respectful to everyone. Respect shoudl not have to be begged for; it is the right of everyone, including people diagnosed with dementia.

Respect…