This report looks at the many different ways that people make sense of dementia. It covers perceptions associated with the experience of dementia, the cause of dementia and the possible implications of dementia on individuals and society.

There are also sections on the use of metaphor and on the portrayal of dementia in the media and films. Each section contains details of the reflection by the multidisciplinary working group on the ethical implications for people with dementia of being perceived and portrayed in a particular way.

We consider how people with dementia feel about dementia and about the way they are perceived and portrayed within society. The reports ends with a set of guidelines on things to consider when writing about or portraying dementia and people with dementia.