Metaphor as methodology: Methodological reflections on visualizing the dementia journey.

Abstract

Metaphors to describe and understand dementia have been used in Western culture for many years. However, the ways in which people living with dementia and care partners use metaphors and symbols to illustrate and give meaning to their own experiences has been less understood. In this paper we explore the use of metaphor as methodology-- a way to support people living with dementia and their care partners in reflecting on and sharing their experiences of dementia. More specifically, drawing on our experiences using metaphor and symbols to map out the dementia journey from the perspectives of people living with dementia, care partners, and health and social care providers in Ontario, Canada, we describe our process of employing metaphor as methodology. We reflect on the use of metaphor as methodology through framing the dementia experience, exploring complexity, and representing multidimensionality. The use of metaphors has the potential to open space for new understandings of dementia.