The “Guidelines for the ethical and inclusive communication about portrayal of dementia and people with dementia” were published by Alzheimer Europe and the European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD). The document provides guidance on how to communicate about dementia and people living with dementia ethically and inclusively. The guidelines emphasize the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of individuals with dementia and of avoiding stigmatizing or negative portrayals of the condition. The document includes a set of recommendations for journalists, policymakers and other media professionals to help them ensure that their coverage of dementia and people with the condition is respectful, accurate and inclusive.
The guidelines also provide advice for people with dementia and their families on how to participate in the media and advocate for themselves in a positive and empowering way. Overall, the guidelines aim to promote a more accurate and inclusive portrayal of dementia and people living with the condition in the media and in society. In this expert interview, Dianne Gove (Director for Projects, Alzheimer Europe, Luxembourg) and Ana Diaz (Policy Officer, Alzheimer Europe, Luxembourg) discuss the current challenges in ethical and inclusive communication about and portrayal of dementia and people with dementia, the defining aims and goals of the guide, and the key take–home messages: