Communication involves sharing or exchanging information including, for example, news, ideas and feelings. Portrayal means how somebody or something is shown or described in a picture, play, book, speech, report or other means of communication. The two are closely related and undeniably of great importance to people with dementia. How we represent dementia in words and images can influence how we think about and treat people with dementia. It has implications for the lives of millions of people worldwide, for their rights (i.e. to full and equal participation in society, and access to healthcare and treatment) and for relationships and emotional wellbeing. It can also significantly influence decisions about research priorities, service development and policy.

Communication involves sharing or exchanging information including, for example, news, ideas and feelings. Portrayal means how somebody or something is shown or described in a picture, play, book, speech, report or other means of communication. The two are closely related and undeniably of great importance to people with dementia. How we represent dementia in words and images can influence how we think about and treat people with dementia. It has implications for the lives of millions of people worldwide, for their rights (i.e. to full and equal participation in society, and access to healthcare and treatment) and for relationships and emotional wellbeing. It can also significantly influence decisions about research priorities, service development and policy.