WHAT IS IN A NAME: DEMENTIA AND CAREGIVERS IN THE AFRICAN IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY
2024

Understanding Dementia and Caregivers in the African Immigrant Community

Sample size: 40 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nkimbeng Manka, Aswani Truphosa, Gaugler Joseph

Primary Institution: University of Minnesota

Hypothesis

How do African immigrants define dementia and care partners?

Conclusion

The language surrounding dementia care affects healthcare access and quality for African immigrants.

Supporting Evidence

  • There are no accepted words for dementia or caregiver in many African immigrant languages.
  • Translations for dementia often rely on symptoms or derogatory terms.
  • The concept of a caregiver is unfamiliar to many in the community.

Takeaway

Many African immigrants don't have the right words for dementia or caregivers, which makes it hard for them to get help.

Methodology

Qualitative study using thematic analysis of transcripts from ten key informant interviews and three community conversations.

Limitations

The study may not represent all African immigrant communities due to its qualitative nature and limited sample size.

Participant Demographics

African immigrants, including community leaders and participants from community conversations.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1149

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication