Settlement Guide: 5 concerns of migrant dementia patients

Although dementia mainly affects older people, it is not a normal part of ageing. Early diagnosis improves the quality of life of people with dementia and their families. However, patients from diverse backgrounds face additional challenges in getting an early diagnosis and care support which meets their needs.

Source: public domain

1. Lack of knowledge about dementia and its symptoms

Different communities perceive Dementia differently. For some it is an illness, for some a mental illness. For some it is a normal part of ageing or for some, it has no meaning at all.

Dementia is a syndrome caused by a variety of brain illnesses that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and ability to perform everyday activities.

Female doctor holding CAT scan Source: AAP

2. Perception of dementia as normal part of ageing

In some communities, dementia is regarded as a normal part of ageing.

However, late diagnosis of dementia is often at crisis point. Due to lack of knowledge, early symptoms go undetected. And people are often unaware as to where to go for help or are ashamed of being labelled.

Healthcare worker with elderly man Source: AAP

3. Stigma associated with dementia

Many people are unwilling to discuss the illness openly in fear that they will be labelled as ‘crazy’.  As a result they tend to participate less in group activities or engage in social support groups.

Source: Public Domain/Pixabay

4. Communication problems caused by having low literacy levels in English

With the onset of dementia some people may lose what skills they have in English and revert to their native language. And this makes everyday tasks very challenging, especially if you are living without any translation support.

Source: Pedro Riberio Simoes/CC BY 2.0-1

5. Misconception that people are cared for by family members

In some communities there is a strong expectation that the family or the children will care for parents with dementia. However, as the traditional values mix with newly acquired Australian values, the reality for many elderly is changing. They may have to accept newer care arrangements and adapt to it.

Source: Getty Images

Find out more about the Perception of dementia in ethnic communities.

Alzheimer’s Australia provides dementia information in 43 languages.

Counselling support services are available on the National Dementia Helpline by calling 1800 100 500.

If you need an interpreter you can contact the National Dementia Helpline through the Telephone Interpreting Service on 131 450.