Alzheimer's disease and the law: positive and negative consequences of structural stigma and labeling in the legal system

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To explore the meaning and consequences of labeling on structural stigma in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the legal system. Method: This qualitative study was made up of three focus groups including social workers and lawyers (n = 26). Participants were asked to report their experience in circumstances in which persons with AD and their family members engage with the legal system. Thematic analysis using the constant comparative method was used. Results: The discussions in the focus groups raised two overall themes. (1) The significance of the medical diagnostic labeling of AD in the legal system and (2) the consequences of labeling of AD within the legal system. This last theme included four sub-themes: (a) negative consequences of labeling; (b) reasons associated with negative consequences of labeling; (c) positive consequences of labeling; and (d) reasons associated with positive consequences of labeling. Conclusion: Findings of the study provide a first foundation for future research on the meaning and consequences of labeling in legal cases involving persons with AD. They suggest that increasing judges' knowledge about AD and reforming the existing ‘status-based’ legal capacity legislation might benefit by limiting the legal weight given today to the medical diagnosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1206-1213
Number of pages8
JournalAging and Mental Health
Volume21
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2 Nov 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

  • Courts
  • dementia
  • institutional stigma
  • medical diagnosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatric Mental Health
  • Gerontology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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