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The social construction of dementia: Systematic review and metacognitive model of enculturation

Bosco, A; Schneider, J; Coleston-Shields, DM; Higgs, P; Orrell, M; (2019) The social construction of dementia: Systematic review and metacognitive model of enculturation. Maturitas , 120 pp. 12-22. 10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.11.009. Green open access

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The stigma associated with dementia may be influenced by how the condition has been socially constructed throughout history. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review tracing the historical representations of dementia, from the perspectives of cultural transmission theory and social constructivism. METHODS: A systematic search was run on five electronic databases: Wellcome Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, IBSS, and EMBASE. Articles were screened and analysed through deductive content analysis. We further applied a communication system theory to graphically describe how dementia has been experienced through time. RESULTS: Ten primary sources and 33 secondary sources were consulted. Seven themes emerged from the analysis: a problem of aging; use it or lose it; divine punishment; loss of agency; psychosis and insanity; brain degeneration and objectification; and dementia as a social condition. Each theme corresponds to a particular way of conceptualising dementia and has influenced modern representations of the condition. CONCLUSION: Past characterisations of dementia have influenced modern views of the condition. It is through enculturation that these views are interpreted, assimilated, or rejected by individuals and transmitted within and across cultures. A better understanding of the social construction of dementia can improve public health approaches to rehabilitation and care.

Type: Article
Title: The social construction of dementia: Systematic review and metacognitive model of enculturation
Location: Ireland
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.11.009
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.11.009
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Communication network, Dementia, History, Social construction
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Division of Psychiatry
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10065175
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