Telling Stories

Abstract

This article considers the role of narrative in people’s lives and how illness might be seen as a continuation of their story, not its ending. The study of dementia from the perspective of genetics, biology, psychology or sociology creates separate narratives, none of which hold the whole truth but all of which, combined in our journey of discovery, bring us nearer reality. The author sets out five challenges for those involved professionally or personally with dementia as we reach the centenary of Alzheimer’s description of the condition which came to bear his name.