Exploring Dementia Awareness, Beliefs, and Attitudes among Asian Indian Immigrants in the United States.

Abstract

Background: Asian Americans are severely underrepresented in Alzheimer disease and related dementias research, and the cognitive aging of Asian Indians in the United States is poorly understood. There is a pressing need to bridge the gap in the literature concerning dementia and cognitive impairment among Asian Indians to reduce the current disparities. This study examines how knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes shape dementia disparities among older Asian Indian immigrants in the United States.

Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with Asian Indian adults, ages 50 years and older, who immigrated from India to the United States. Participants were recruited through cultural and faith-based organizations by using flyers and social media advertisements. Interviews explored perceptions of dementia and aging, barriers to receiving care, and beliefs related to aging. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and inductive thematic analysis was conducted by 2 investigators.

Results: Participants (n=29) were mostly women (73%) and 65-74 years old (38%) and had been in the United States for an average of 35 years. Cognitive impairment and dementia were viewed as natural functions of aging, and participants were unaware of screening methods to detect cognitive impairment early. Participants perceived dementia as more prevalent among Asian Indians living outside of India due to loss of social support.

Conclusion: Overall, this study shows challenges and opportunities to advancing culturally appropriate cognitive aging care among Asian Indian immigrants in the United States. Findings from this study provide valuable insights into this underresearched area and can inform culturally sensitive interventions and policies to support the cognitive health of Asian Indian immigrants as they age.