'This is an important and innovative text examining social science perspectives relating to dementia. Innes provides a comprehensive guide to the research literature, drawing on critical perspectives within Sociology and Social Gerontology. The book makes a significant contribution to re-thinking practice and policies for people with dementia' - Chris Phillipson, Professor of Applied Social Studies and Social Gerontology, Keele University 'Anthea Innes, through the lens of a social scientist, provides a much needed historical and critical evaluation of where and why the study of dementia began, how it has developed in the areas of research, practice, and policy and what we need to do with this knowledge in order to create social change that improves the lives of people with dementia and their families. I know this is a book that I will often take down from my shelf, to teach my students, develop my lectures, and plan my future research projects' - Professor Phyllis Braudy Harris, Department of Sociology & Director of the Aging Studies Program, John Carroll University 'There is a tendency in dementia studies to focus on individual psychosocial dynamics. This book reminds us how important it is to think about broader social and political forces as well. Drawing on key ideas in cognate disciplines, including social gerontology and disability studies, this book makes a significant contribution to the field of dementia studies. It will appeal to a wide range of students and academics, as well as those personally affected by the condition' - Dr Ruth Bartlett, Bradford Dementia Group, University of Bradford What is dementia? How should we organize dementia care? This comprehensive book critically examines the main approaches to understanding dementia (bio-medical, social-psychological and socio-gerontological) and the main principles and ideologies of care. The book: - Provides clarity on the gap between the utopian aspirations of care and the reality of care - Opens up a series of questions about knowledge and treatment of dementia - Argues for a transition from positions that place emphasis upon the individual or particular care services to the social, cultural and economic context Lively, informative and challenging, the book will be of interest to students of nursing, sociology of health & illness, social work and social gerontology. Anthea Innes teaches at the Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling