Mate wareware: Understanding 'dementia' from a Māori perspective

To investigate Māori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand) understandings of dementia, its causes, and ways to manage a whānau (extended family) member with dementia.

We undertook kaupapa Māori research (Māori informed research) with 223 kaumātua (Māori elders) who participated in 17 focus groups across seven study regions throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and eight whānau from the Waikato region. We audio recorded all interviews, transcribed them and then coded and categorised the data into themes.

Mate wareware (becoming forgetful and unwell) ('dementia') affects the wairua (spiritual dimension) of Māori. The findings elucidate Māori understandings of the causes of mate wareware, and the role of aroha (love, compassion) and manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness, generosity, support, caring) involved in caregiving for whānau living with mate wareware. Participants perceived cultural activities acted as protective factors that optimised a person's functioning within their whānau and community.

Whānau are crucial for the care of a kaumātua with mate wareware, along with promoting healthy wairua for all. Whanau urgently need information to assist with their knowledge building and empowerment to meet the needs of a member affected by mate wareware. This requires collaborative healthcare practice and practitioners accessing the necessary mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) to provide culturally appropriate and comprehensive care for whānau.