July 21, 2025
Dear Dementia,
Many people are going to possibly hate me for this, but we have become too sensitive about words, especially words used about you. Language is a losing battle. Changing the word we use will never change the meaning or the intention someone has when they speak it.
I understand that people who live with you have so much to deal with, and they are pelted with stones at every turn (of course not literally) and language can feel like one of those major stones they see coming their way. But, it is a waste of energy to try to change a words we use. Instead we must learn to expand our vocabulary, to understand that an intention is more important than the word itself, that we cannot change someone’s mind about us or a disease by changing a word.
We need to connect to the heart of the person, the fear they might have, the previous experiences they have had that have lead them to this point. And, we must focus the energy of desired change on those who work in media and entertainment, educators and medical professionals, who form the minds and thinking of our society about what you mean to one’s life. We must focus our energy on looking inward and admiring to ourselves what we think about you.
Until tomorrow,
Kate
