This dissertation will answer the questions; how can photography be used to aid those diagnosed with Dementia? How are photographic practitioners raising awareness of Dementia? Photography will be discussed as a form of memory, documentation, and physical archive. It will look at how photography can be used to assist the lives of people diagnosed with Dementia, using photography as therapy, memory stimuli and even potentially prosthetic
memory. Furthermore, it will consider how contemporary photographic practitioners can successfully raise awareness of Dementia by portraying an authentic insight into the reality of living with severe cognitive impairment owing to Dementia. This dissertation will also investigate the science behind photography and its relation to memory through numerous case studies. The findings of this dissertation conclude that photographs can provoke the
recollection of memories even for Dementia patients. In fact, consistent exposure can even improve their conversations as their memories feel more vivid. It also concludes that the act of photography can be therapeutic for people with Dementia and can make them feel more fulfilled as it gives them purpose and forces them to look for the beautiful things around them. Overall, the research gathered suggests that through contemporary photographic projects and support such as the ‘Bob and Dianne fund’, photography is successfully raising awareness of Dementia by exposing the reality of it. We are still a long way from finding a cure for Dementia, but the findings of this dissertation suggest that photography has significant potential to make the lives of people who have witnessed or experienced Dementia, easier and more enjoyable.
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