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Guide provides alternatives to hurtful words used to describe people with dementia
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When people speak about dementia in a respectful and non-judgmental manner, they also gain a better understanding of persons with dementia and their families.
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
SINGAPORE - Some people refer to dementia in Chinese as "chi dai zheng", a phrase that implies a disease that causes one to be foolish and dim-witted.
It is a term that never fails to irk Ms Emily Ong, 53, who has young-onset dementia, which affects people younger than 65. And she wants people to understand that such words not only hurt but also influence societal attitudes towards people with dementia.
