Living with dementia in Aotearoa New Zealand: Samoan families’ perspectives

Abstract

There is very little research about dementia in Aotearoa (New Zealand) New Zealand (NZ) Pacific communities, but information available suggests that Pacific people are presenting with dementia at a younger age and with more severe cognitive symptoms than do non-Pacific. The Samoan ethnic group is NZ’s largest Pacific population. This study explores experiences and understanding of dementia from family sessions with 25 people from 10 Samoan families living with dementia. Thematic analysis of the interviews showed there was no Samoan concept for dementia as a disease of the brain that required special medical attention; instead, Samoan elders spoke of memory loss as part of ageing, signifying the end to one’s purpose in life. A formal medical diagnosis saw family members honouring their obligations to care for their loved one at home, often at great cost. Culturally appropriate services, incorporating Samoan concepts of care and ageing, were rarely available.