Community perceptions about dementia in southwestern Uganda
Judith Owokuhaisa1, Godfrey Zari Rukundo2, Edith Wakida3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda. jowokuhaisa@must.ac.ug.
BMC Geriatrics
|April 16, 2020
Summary
Dementia is a growing concern in Africa. Community members in Uganda recognize dementia symptoms and stressors, highlighting the need for caregiver support and education.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Dementia is an emerging public health issue in aging African populations.
- Understanding dementia's social dynamics in resource-limited settings is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore community perceptions of dementia in southwestern Uganda.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-nine participants in focus groups and 22 in-depth interviews.
- Audio-recorded, transcribed, and quantitatively analyzed using content analysis.
Main Results:
- Five themes emerged: illness labeling, dementia presentation, perceived causes, impact on patients and caregivers, and unmet needs.
- Dementia was termed 'mental disorientation'; symptoms included forgetfulness and behavioral changes.
- Causes were attributed to aging, illness, or supernatural factors; caregivers face significant financial, social, and emotional burdens.
Conclusions:
- Community members recognize dementia and its symptoms in older adults.
- Education and support are needed for caregivers to manage dementia symptoms and associated burdens.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Dementia
450
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
450
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
1.5K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
1.5K
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
689
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
689
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
1.4K
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities
1.4K
01:30Community Based Intervention
227
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
227
01:29Intellectual Disability
488
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
488