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Can a theater performance help to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia?
Dominic Gately
University of Bradford
Bradford, United Kingdom
Background
According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Facts and Figures Report, there are an estimated 6.7 million individuals in the United States who are living with Alzheimer’s, making Alzheimer’s awareness a public health priority. This involves increasing awareness and understanding of overall brain health and aging and reducing the stigma surrounding the disease. Studies have shown that different forms of art, including film and plays, can increase awareness. However, most forms focus on the negative aspects of the disease and the challenges that individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their care partners face. Dominic Gately and colleagues propose a pilot project to create a new theater performance to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia.
Research Plan
To develop the performance, Dominic Gately and colleagues will first interview three individuals living with different types of dementia to capture their lived experiences. The researchers will then develop three monologue scripts that tell each person’s story. Each monologue will highlight the unique differences between the types of dementia represented in the performance. The monologues will be performed at local dementia support groups and recorded so that the filmed version can be distributed to larger and broader audiences, including educational seminars and workshops.
Impact
If successful, the play developed during this study could help promote dementia awareness and reduce negative attitudes and stigma surrounding dementia.
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