Seeing dementia differently

Dementia can affect memory, orientation or certain everyday activities. But it does not define a person.

Beyond the symptoms, abilities, emotions, habits, passions and moments of connection remain. A familiar gesture may come back naturally. A few guitar chords may resurface. A familiar pencil stroke may remain intact, even when memory sometimes becomes blurred.

The person is still there.

On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September, the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees is launching a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at helping to destigmatise dementia and change the way people living with dementia are perceived.

Through simple scenes from everyday life, the campaign highlights what remains beyond the diagnosis.

Fernand may sometimes lose his train of thought, but he still finds the chords on his guitar. Christine’s memory may sometimes become blurred, but her familiar gestures and drawing style remain.

These moments invite us to look beyond the symptoms and see the person first: to recognise their abilities, respect their autonomy, and continue to listen to, support and value them.

Because dementia may change some things, but it does not erase the person.

For more information about the different types of dementia, prevention and questions relating to memory problems, you can find information, advice and resources on demenz.lu.