title: 'The stigma attached isn't true of real life': Challenging public perception of dementia through a participatory approach involving people with dementia (Innovative Practice).
abstract: This paper discusses the potential impact of viewing public performances of an orchestra comprising people with dementia, family members, student volunteers and professional symphony orchestra members in contributing to challenging negative perceptions of dementia. Negative perceptions of dementia abound despite recent policy attempts to challenge the stigma associated with the condition. This paper reports on the findings from the performance element of a music project for people with dementia, known as the BUDI Orchestra, designed to replicate the traditional rehearse and perform cycle of musicians. Data were collected via self-completion questionnaires from audience members ( N = 109) at three public performances. The performances exceeded the expectations of the general public, and findings suggest a positive impact on perceptions of dementia, demonstrating the power and potential of participatory approaches showcasing the achievements of those living with dementia when attempting to raise awareness of dementia and challenge negative perceptions.
authors.affiliation: School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Reynolds
authors.affiliation: School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Practice, University of the West of Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Anthea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Innes
authors.affiliation: School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Poyner
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hambidge
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009146:Music / Q000523:psychology*; D057545:Social Stigma
keywords: dementia; music; orchestra; public perception; stigma