How did people deal with Dementia in the 1700’s?

In the 1700s, dealing with dementia was vastly different from today. During this time, understanding of mental health was limited, and treatments were often harsh and misguided. People with dementia, along with those suffering from other mental illnesses, were frequently viewed as being possessed by evil spirits or as having a moral failing. This led to treatments that were more punitive than therapeutic.

One of the most common beliefs about mental illness, including what we now recognize as dementia, was that it was caused by demonic possession. This belief was widespread in Europe and led to treatments like exorcisms and physical punishments. People with dementia were often confined to asylums or kept at home, where they might be restrained or subjected to various forms of physical abuse.

However, there were also early signs of more humane approaches. In the late 1700s, a French physician named Philippe Pinel began to challenge these traditional views. Pinel advocated for a more compassionate approach, which he called “moral treatment.” This involved treating patients with kindness, patience, and understanding, rather than punishment. He believed in the importance of observing behavior, understanding triggers, and noting changes over time to make diagnoses. Pinel’s methods included recreational activities like walks and pleasant conversations, which were revolutionary for the time.

Pinel’s work was influential, and his ideas about moral treatment spread to other parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom. In the early 1800s, asylums in the UK began to adopt these more humane practices, especially for patients who could afford better care. The design of these asylums was also seen as important, with the belief that a pleasant environment could aid in recovery. Patients were encouraged to engage in exercise and work as part of their treatment.

Despite these advancements, the understanding and treatment of dementia remained primitive compared to modern standards. It wasn’t until much later, with advances in medical science and psychology, that dementia began to be recognized as a distinct medical condition rather than a moral failing or demonic possession. Today, we have a much better understanding of dementia and its causes, and treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.