Understanding dementia and its relevance for the hospitality industry

Abstract

Using hospitality services can be a challenge for people with dementia. Dementia is “a progressive disorder where there is a decline in a variety of mental functions” [1, p. 1]. Forms of dementia, such as vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s, include symptoms such as memory loss, cognitive decline in speech, thinking, and understanding, disorientation, personality or mood changes, paranoia or hallucination, and reduced physical ability. Over 50 million people are currently living with dementia worldwide; a number forecast to double every 20 years (https://alzheimers.org.nz/). While dementia can add many challenges to an individual’s life, and that of their carers and/or companions, those affected should still be able to participate in hospitality experiences as part of their meaningful and active social lives, which are crucial to slowing the disease’s progression, especially in its early stages before more specialised care becomes essential.