Document Type

Presentation

Loading...

Media is loading
 

Publication Date

6-28-2024

Comments

Presentation: 5:09

Poster attached as supplemental file below

Abstract

Dementia involves neurological disorders marked by cognitive decline, impairing daily life. This review examines psychosocial and cultural factors affecting dementia prevalence in Asian populations, stressing the need for tailored interventions. Previous research highlights social isolation, chronic stress, and cultural beliefs as key contributors, yet gaps persist in understanding these within Asian contexts. A literature search in PubMed and Scopus followed PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies of psychosocial and cultural determinants among Asians, including various study designs published in English. Ten studies met criteria, covering cross-sectional surveys, qualitative interviews, and observational studies in Asian countries and Asian American communities. Findings show social isolation and loneliness heighten dementia risk, exacerbated by urbanization and changing family structures. Chronic stress, especially from familial and occupational pressures, links to cognitive decline via elevated cortisol levels. Cultural beliefs, including stigma and views on aging, delay diagnosis and treatment, and reliance on traditional medicine hinders timely intervention. These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive public health initiatives to address these factors. Interventions should reduce social isolation, promote mental health awareness, and integrate traditional and modern medical practices for better dementia care in Asian populations. This review underscores the critical influence of psychosocial and cultural factors on dementia prevalence in Asians. Addressing these through targeted, culturally sensitive interventions is essential for improving life quality for individuals with dementia, stressing the need for ongoing research and public health efforts tailored to diverse Asian communities.

Lay Summary

Dementia is a group of brain diseases that make it hard for people to remember things, think clearly, and do everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type, followed by vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. This study looks at how social and cultural factors affect the chances of getting dementia in Asian communities and shows why it's important to have special care plans for these groups. Researchers found that being alone and feeling lonely can make dementia worse, especially in cities where family support is weak. Stress from work and family also makes dementia worse by causing harmful stress hormones in the brain. Cultural beliefs, like thinking dementia is a normal part of aging or a punishment, can stop people from getting help. Many people in Asian cultures use traditional medicine, which can delay proper treatment.

The study reviewed ten research papers from Asian countries and Asian American communities. It showed that being alone, feeling lonely, and stress are big problems. Cultural beliefs and stigma about dementia also make it hard for people to get the right care. For instance, the research highlighted that older adults in Asian communities who are socially isolated are more likely to get dementia. The changing family structures and rapid urbanization in these regions make it harder for elderly people to have the traditional family support they need. To help, public health programs should focus on reducing loneliness, teaching people about mental health, and using both traditional and modern medical practices. These changes can make life better for people with dementia and their families. It's important to keep researching and creating health programs that meet the needs of Asian communities. Addressing these social and cultural factors can improve early diagnosis, treatment, and overall care for people with dementia in these communities.

Additional Files
202406_Dandibhotla_Shrinidhi_poster.pptx (672 kB)

Language

English

Download Presentation

Submit Feedback on Presentation

Share

COinS