Public Health.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• The UK's ethnic minority population with dementia is projected to grow significantly by 2050.
• Past research has oversimplified minority ethnic experiences, reinforcing stereotypes and service access barriers.
• African and African Caribbean individuals with dementia face underrecognition, historical discrimination, and health inequalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the minimal research on African and African Caribbean people living with dementia.
• To explore the experiences of this population using an intersectional framework.
• To identify research priorities and co-produce culturally specific dementia care strategies.

Main Methods:

• Ethnographic research employing an intersectional approach.
• Data collection through discussion groups with a research steering group of African and African Caribbean individuals with dementia.
• Analysis of how class, gender, and ethnicity intersect within dementia care settings.

Main Results:

• Findings from a co-produced research agenda with a steering group of African and African Caribbean people living with dementia.
• An in-depth examination of the experiences of this population across various English Local Authority sites.
• Insights into how social care staff recognize and respond to the needs of African and African Caribbean individuals with dementia and their care partners.

Conclusions:

• A focused, intersectional approach is necessary to understand the complex needs of diverse ethnic minority populations.
• Current aggregated approaches to ethnic minority groups are insufficient for effective dementia care.
• Improved understanding is vital for enhancing services and ensuring culturally specific support for people living with dementia.