Experiences of people living with dementia in Pakistan

Willis, Rosalind, Zaidi, Asghar, Farina, Nicolas and Balouch, Sara (2018) Experiences of people living with dementia in Pakistan. British Society of Gerontology 47th Annual Conference, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom. 04 - 06 Jul 2018.

Abstract

Stigma around dementia acts as a barrier to timely diagnosis, treatment, and support. The public understanding of dementia has been improving in the UK due to initiatives like Dementia Friends and other national policies. Dementia is less well-recognised in many developing countries, even though the largest future projected increase in dementia is expected to occur in these contexts. In Pakistan there is limited awareness about dementia, and it is often misunderstood to be part of the normal ageing process, caused by lifetime stress, or reflects neglect on the part of family members. Although specialist health services for dementia do exist in Pakistan, they are few in number. This presentation reports on a part of a larger project conducted in Pakistan about understandings of dementia among people who have a diagnosis of mild dementia, their family carers, the general population, and key stakeholders. In this presentation, qualitative data from 20 people with dementia, supported in the interviews by their family carers, will be discussed. It will present their understanding of the condition, the experience of help seeking, and the reactions of family and wider community members. The impact of dementia symptoms on religious obligations will be discussed, drawing out features of dementia that may cause particular distress to Muslims. Recommendations for development of awareness campaigns and policies in Pakistan will be made.

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Contributors

Author: Rosalind Willis

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