Transcending the Tragedy Discourse of Dementia: An Ethical Imperative for Promoting Selfhood, Meaningful Relationships, and Well-Being.

Supporting people living with dementia in maintaining selfhood, relationships, and well-being requires seeing beyond the common negative focus on disability. Furthermore, prioritizing the person rather than the disease requires rejecting the tragedy discourse, which is the negative lens through which dementia is typically considered. In this paper, we highlight qualitative research on dementia involving people living with dementia as active participants. Recognizing that many people living with dementia remain capable of making decisions that affect their lives, we highlight a research-based approach to support known as "authentic partnerships" that includes people living with dementia as equal partners. We conclude by proposing eight beliefs to mobilize positive change in transcending the tragedy discourse of dementia, thereby opening a space for selfhood, relationships, and well-being.