Cognito Therapeutics is partnering with a nonprofit to “Change the D-Word,” aiming to eliminate the use of “dementia,” a catchall term that can carry stigma.
The term “dementia” is an umbrella term used to describe a range of disorders that typically cause irreversible cognitive decline. It includes the most common condition, Alzheimer’s disease, as well as vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.
But the term “dementia” is seen as imprecise and stigmatizing, according to the nonprofit Initiative to Change the “D-Word,” which has developed a language guide encouraging more specific terminology.
Cognito Therapeutics, which secured a $105 million series C last month to advance its device for neurodegenerative diseases, agrees. The company said April 8 it is signing on to the “Change the D-Word” effort, with a “commitment to discontinue use of the word ‘dementia’ across all internal and external communication.”
Drawing on the Initiative’s guide, Cognito said it has already removed the term “dementia” from its scientific materials, patient resources, clinical study communications and public-facing content.
“The updated language is designed to be clear, non-stigmatizing,” the biotech added in a release.
Christian Howell, CEO of Cognito Therapeutics, said: “Retiring the word ‘dementia’ reflects our commitment to communication that supports earlier engagement with clinicians and more informed care decisions.”
Mike Zuendel, founder and advocate-in-chief of the Initiative to Change the “D-Word,” added: “Choosing terminology that is specific and respectful helps reduce stigma and encourages earlier action, which is critical for individuals experiencing cognitive change.”