Ethnic Differences in Beliefs Regarding Alzheimer Disease Among Dementia Family Caregivers

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine ethnic differences in female dementia family caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods Baseline data were collected from 215 female caregivers before their participation in various psychoeducational intervention programs. Caregivers were questioned about the epidemiology, etiology, and treatment of AD. Logistic regressions and one-way analysis of variance were conducted to assess ethnic differences. Results Hispanic and Chinese caregivers were more likely to believe that AD is a normal part of aging and that AD can be diagnosed by a blood test than the white group. These beliefs about AD may delay help-seeking activities for these patients and their family caregivers. Conclusion Increased public education about AD is needed in these communities. Results are discussed in terms of barriers to accessing information about AD and ways to improve public informational outreach activities, so that the intended audiences are reached more effectively.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities Among Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease in the United States: A Literature Review

“…Many individuals and cultures perceive dementiarelated symptoms as a natural part of aging (Ayalon & Arean, 2004;Chow et al, 2002;Eiser & Ellis, 2010;Gelman, 2010;Gray, Jimenez, Cucciare, Tong, & Gallagher-Thompson, 2009;Jett, 2006). For example, Gray et al (2009) asked participants whether the following statement is true: "Significant loss of memory/mental ability, commonly known as senility, is a normal part of aging. "…”

“…Numerous cultural differences related to caregiving for patients with AD may also contribute to racial and ethnic disparities (Gray et al, 2009;Napoles et al, 2010). The most frequently documented cultural differences for both African-American and Hispanic caregivers compared with white caregivers are more positive views of caregiving, greater spirituality, a stronger sense of duty to family, and higher value placed on extended family networks (Napoles et al, 2010).…”

“…For example, Gray et al (2009) asked participants whether the following statement is true: "Significant loss of memory/mental ability, commonly known as senility, is a normal part of aging. " Of whites, 23 percent agreed, compared with 55 percent of Hispanics and 33 percent of Chinese.…”

Illness representations in caregivers of people with dementia

“…There is evidence that ethnicity and cross-cultural differences can influence people's understandings of dementia (e.g. Dilworth-Anderson & Gibson, 2002;Gray et al, 2009;Hinton & Levkoff, 1999). Future research could explore illness representations in a more ethnically diverse group of caregivers and consider cross-cultural differences.…”

“…Studies exploring caregivers' understandings of dementia have found that caregivers may minimise the seriousness of symptoms by attributing them to ageing (Askham, 1995;Gray, Jimenez, Cucciare, Tong, & Gallagher-Thompson, 2009;Morgan & Laing, 1991), to the person never having had a good memory (Quinn et al, 2008) or to life events (Paton, Johnston, Katona, & Livingston, 2004). Caregivers' beliefs about dementia can influence their understanding of the behaviours they are observing.…”