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Dementia: sociological and philosophical constructions

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  • Davis, Daniel H. J.

Abstract

This analysis presents a challenge to the biomedical view of dementia as a disease. This view is critiqued from two perspectives: those of sociology and philosophy. Because these domains inform the creation of the medical discourse, their analysis provides an important refinement to the apprehension of the phenomenon of dementia. From the work of Foucault, and in particular his analysis of the historical origins of modern medicine, the sociological construction of dementia is considered. Following this, the philosophical question of Being is discussed, considering particularly the positions of Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty. Lastly aspects of dementia nursing that are damaging to those relatives forced to take on the role of primary carer are isolated, in the context of Kitwood's view that it is possible to maintain personhood at the extremes of this condition. It is suggested that this critique of sociological and philosophical foundations of dementia might offer a way of approaching the dismantling of the self and revise current conceptions of dementia care for the better.

Suggested Citation

  • Davis, Daniel H. J., 2004. "Dementia: sociological and philosophical constructions," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 58(2), pages 369-378, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:58:y:2004:i:2:p:369-378
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    Cited by:

    1. Hansen, Emily C. & Hughes, Clarissa & Routley, Georgina & Robinson, Andrew L., 2008. "General practitioners' experiences and understandings of diagnosing dementia: Factors impacting on early diagnosis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(11), pages 1776-1783, December.
    2. Gilbert, Andrew Simon & Antoniades, Josefine & Croy, Samantha & Brijnath, Bianca, 2021. "“The mind may go, but the heart knows”: Emotional care by ethnic minority carers of people living with dementia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 285(C).
    3. Hamilton, Bridget Elizabeth & Manias, Elizabeth, 2007. "Rethinking nurses' observations: Psychiatric nursing skills and invisibility in an acute inpatient setting," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(2), pages 331-343, July.

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