Evaluation of Public Health Messages Promoting Early Detection of Dementia Among Adult Latinos With a Living Older Adult Parental Figure

Abstract

Introduction We aimed to evaluate the resonance of public health messages promoting early detection of dementia in adult Latinos with a living older adult loved one. Method We conducted a mixed-methods study with focus groups and surveys to evaluate eight messages encouraging Latino adults to accompany their older loved one for cognitive assessment. Qualitative data were transcribed and coded, and thematic analysis was conducted. We used descriptive statistics for quantitative data. Results Participants suggested that messages need to be translated into Spanish and images need to be more natural, present balance between positive and serious facial expressions, show more ethnic/racial diversity, and show family members other than the parents. Five major sociocultural themes affected how the messages were received: stigma, gender roles, the importance of the mother figure, guilt, and family togetherness. Conclusion Public health messages targeting cultural values are needed to effectively encourage early dementia detection in Latinos. Findings can be used to adapt culturally appropriate public health messages encouraging early dementia detection in Latinos.

Prevalence of Severe Neurocognitive Impairment and Its Association with Socio-Demographics and Functionality Among Ugandan Older Persons: A Hospital-Based Study

“…This makes decreasing functional independence a sensitive marker for early detection of neurocognitive impairment, similar to other studies. 15,16,40 However, with a low correlation between neurocognitive impairment and functionality and most of the participants in this study remaining functionally independent (slightly and completely no dependence) despite having a severe neurocognitive impairment, it makes functionality a poorer predictor of neurocognitive impairment. Therefore, additional methods for early diagnosis of neurocognitive impairment are highly suggested, which may include (i) facilitating routine screening for dementia with simple diagnostic tools for cognitive decline, (ii) making it routine to report neurocognitive scores for every elderly person attending a healthcare facility, or (iii) having a high index of suspicion in the presences of commonly identified risk factors.…”

“…10,14 Early diagnosis and detection of neurocognitive impairment are important because early interventions delay functional dependence, and reversible causes like depression can be detected and managed appropriately. 15 With early detection, the primary healthcare workers can anticipate potential problems associated with the neurocognitive impairment progression and influence his decision regarding further management such as either referral for further management or management of the treatable causes, such as depression, delirium, etc. 15,16 Early detection might also help older persons and their caretakers in making further diagnostic and treatment decisions.…”

“…15 With early detection, the primary healthcare workers can anticipate potential problems associated with the neurocognitive impairment progression and influence his decision regarding further management such as either referral for further management or management of the treatable causes, such as depression, delirium, etc. 15,16 Early detection might also help older persons and their caretakers in making further diagnostic and treatment decisions. [15][16][17] In addition, early diagnosis of neurocognitive impairment improves the quality of life of the patient, reduces economic burden related to the medical care of delayed diagnosis, delays the progress of neurocognitive decline by appropriate treatment, manages the treatable causes, and helps caretakers prepare for the long caring journey.…”

“…15,16 Early detection might also help older persons and their caretakers in making further diagnostic and treatment decisions. [15][16][17] In addition, early diagnosis of neurocognitive impairment improves the quality of life of the patient, reduces economic burden related to the medical care of delayed diagnosis, delays the progress of neurocognitive decline by appropriate treatment, manages the treatable causes, and helps caretakers prepare for the long caring journey. 18 Despite the growing knowledge of neurocognitive impairment, early diagnosis is rare until individuals have severe functional decline and are at late stages of the dysfunction.…”

Experience of UK Latin Americans caring for a relative living with dementia: A qualitative study of family carers

“…Willingness to disclose dementia diagnosis and talk about it differed from Latin Americans interviewed in the US (Balbim et al 2020;Herrmann et al, 2018), and other ME groups in the UK, where family carers are ashamed of the condition, attempt to hide it from others, or only disclose diagnosis with immediate family members (Kenning et al, 2017;Mukadam et al, 2011). Stigma has been associated with lack of knowledge about dementia (Laditka et al, 2013), belief that behaviours are done on purpose (La Fontaine et al, 2007) and blaming the person for the disease (Mukadam & Livingston, 2012).…”