AUSTRALIA | A Chinese Studies PhD Student has explored new ways to remove stigma and shame from the term 'dementia' in new research.
New research from Chinese Studies PhD student, Zihan He, has resulted in a new Chinese-language term for the word ‘dementia’, one that reduces stigma and shame for Chinese speakers.
The new term for dementia, “cognitive impairment syndrome” (认知障碍症), is hoped to be internationally recognised by speakers around the world.
The updated term replaces the outdated and stigmatising term “dummy disease” (痴呆症), which literally translates as “idiocy” or “stupidity”. It also replaces the medically inaccurate term “brain degeneration syndrome” (脑退化症), which covers a wider range of health conditions than dementia.
The new term “cognitive impairment syndrome” (认知障碍症) offers a more neutral, scientifically accurate alternative that is expected to be adopted internationally.
“The term for dementia in Chinese translates to ‘stupidity,’ which is incredibly hurtful,” Zihan explained.
“Some Chinese families refuse to seek medical help because the terminology is so stigmatising. I hope the new term really makes a difference.”
Zihan, 28, is an international student from Mainland China. His motivation for the research is personal. A close relative showed signs of dementia but didn’t get the treatment they needed due to the stigma around the language. Zihan wants to make a difference for other families.
“The stigma around dementia has been present in Chinese culture for a long time,” Zihan said.
“While Chinese Australians have access to Chinese dementia-related educational material, a lot of its language has literal translations,” he said.
“I’ve witnessed many Chinese-speaking people in Australia delay their first appointment with doctors because they did not want to face their health situations. I hope that the new translations can help destigmatise diseases in the community.”
Dementia Australia Executive Director Services, Advocacy & Research, Dr Kaele Stokes, said the decision is an important step in better connecting with and supporting Australia’s Chinese communities. There are 980,555 speakers of Mandarin and Cantonese in Australia, or four percent of the population.
“Adopting this preferred term is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring our services are culturally informed, respectful and responsive to the communities we support,” Dr Stokes said.
“We are listening to and learning from multicultural communities, and reviewing our services and resources to ensure our approach will be culturally aware and attuned to the nuances that matter most to them. We are also working to assess specific needs of Chinese communities so that our support, information and advocacy are as relevant, accessible and effective as possible.”
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