Change the Language, Change the Perception
The words we use matter.
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and as we continue supporting international initiatives to improve awareness and positive changes for people living with dementia, we consider how they are affected by how we talk to them and about them.
Our language choices when we talk about dementia shape the tone and the interpretation of whatever we say or write for both the reader and the speaker/writer. Without careful attention, a casual turn of phrase can empower or harm in an instant – affecting how a person with dementia feels about themselves, and how others perceive them.
Our language choices can also impact our social environment – either contributing to and reinforcing harmful stereotypes and stigma, or empowering people and their strengths, thereby changing perceptions. Words affect how everyone thinks and acts.
In 2018, Alzheimer’s Society UK published a document called Positive Language, which is a helpful guide for anyone planning to work with people wo are living with dementia. When discussing the importance of positive language, the report describes the far-reaching impact of negative language used when talking about dementia, changing the ways people with dementia (as well as their family and friends) think and feel about them. It also affects the broader social impact through negative associations in media and public perceptions. The report goes on the say,
“On the other hand, using positive language – words and phrases that empower people, treat them with dignity, and respect them as individuals – can change how society views and treats people with dementia. It can make people feel valued and included, and contribute to changing the landscape of dementia.”
With Artful Moments, we have worked hard to change the language
We use and the focus of our work with people who live with dementia. We actively seek to focus on a person’s strengths and abilities, not the changes they may be experiencing. We understand that dementia is only one aspect of a person’s experience, and that is does not define them or overshadow their ideas, accomplishments, relationships, and contributions.
We have also worked actively to remove “clinical” language from our work, and we use positive person-centred language when we communicate with participants, researchers, peers, and the public. As well, we listen to their lived experiences to learn more about how they work, communicate, and share.
Below are some helpful tips about how to communicate with more positive terms – but please remember that language is ever-evolving as we continue to improve our understanding and perceptions. Also, keep in mind that each person with lived experience of dementia will have their own preferences. The best way forward is to ask, and to welcome feedback or corrections when they are offered. When you use positive language, you will notice a shift in your own perceptions, which is the best way to start a bigger shift for the better.
Here are some of the ways you can use positive language:
- Always use language that recognises dementia is not the defining aspect of a person’s life. See the person, not the dementia.
- Always think about how a person with dementia would feel about your choice of words. Respect people’s wishes about how they want to be talked about, whether they are present or not, and whether you think they can understand or not.
- If you are unsure of what words to use, or how to talk about someone, ask them what they prefer. When you are telling someone’s story, use their own words as much as possible, as long as it is appropriate.
Use language that focuses on what people can do, rather than what they can’t.
Additional Guidelines
The Alzheimer Society of Canada provides additional guidelines on using positive language along with many resources to learn more, including the Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia.
The AGH’s longstanding Artful Moments program works hard to apply the principle of positive language in our work, informed by our methodology – the Model for Successful Engagement. We are also working to support other museums in their own work with people with dementia through our website Artful Moments: Shared Learning, artfulmoments.ca. Please reach out if you would like to know more.
September is a month to build your knowledge and awareness of dementia, but it should not stop there. Take the time to learn, and make positive changes that last.
To learn more about how you can use positive language, please visit:
Alzheimer Society of Canada. Using Person-Centred Language. Using person-centred language accessed September, 2025.
Alzheimer’s Society UK. Positive language An Alzheimer’s Society guide to talking about dementia. Positive Language.pdf accessed September, 2025.
Don’t forget to view additional educational programs through the Art Gallery of Hamilton, by clicking HERE.
