Exploring Perceptions of Dementia in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Background: Improving public knowledge and understanding about dementia has been identified as a priority area by people living with the condition, researchers, educators and policymakers for a number of years. Societies that have a better understanding of the condition are more likely to enable people living with dementia to enjoy a better quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore current public perceptions of dementia from people living with the condition in Northern Ireland.Methods: Four focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 20 people living with a dementia across three Northern Irish Counties in June 2019. These interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained for this study prior to data collection.Findings: Following thematic analysis, three themes emerged in relation to barriers and facilitators to living well with dementia. These were: ‘Emphasis on Disability NOT Capability’, which highlighted societal misconceptions about the activities and modes of life which people with dementia could or could not do; ‘Normalise Dementia – We Don’t Want a Fool’s Pardon’, which focused on how society could encourage people living with the condition to enjoy greater independence, and ‘Dementia isn’t a Death Sentence’, which considered how professionals, family members and friends treated the person after diagnosis.Conclusions: Public perception and knowledge about dementia are improving but people living with the condition still face significant challenges in their daily lives. Participants in this study acknowledged improvements in societal knowledge and perception about dementia, however they also acknowledged there is still an urgent need for continued improvement.