A positive approach to dementia management

Irreversible is a daunting word; it indicates finality and that there is no way back. However, as far back as the 1990s, a school of thought was developing that made the case against dementia being an irreversible condition and has sought to show how some of the symptoms can be reversed. Followers of this school of thought argue that the social and care context within which a person lives can have a considerable impact on the progress of dementia – and that there is even the possibility of some degree of ‘rementia.’ 

Rementia is the regaining of lost cognitive and functional abilities when a more positive approach to dementia care is taken. This view builds on the idea that society as a whole and individuals within that society can either enable or disable others by their attitudes and approaches. 

As the late Professor Tom Kitwood, a pioneer in the field of dementia care, said: “If we lose faith in people with brain conditions, the chances of rementia are slim.” However, with belief, will, knowledge and skills, the chances of rementia can be significant.