Exploring the Political Ecology of Dementia and Fighting Dementia Stigma with South Asian Communities in Canada

What is this Study about?

This study explores dementia stigma within South Asian communities in Canada, a group that has been underrepresented in dementia research. Using a focused ethnographic approach, it aims to understand community beliefs and experiences related to dementia and identify ways to create a culturally appropriate dementia-friendly society.

The study will: Examine South Asian cultural understandings of dementia and dementia-related stigma. Investigate how dementia affects the overall well-being of people living with dementia, their families, and caregivers. Explore how individuals make decisions about seeking healthcare and support. The research also seeks to understand how social, cultural, structural, and political factors contribute to dementia stigma and how culturally relevant anti-stigma interventions can be developed.

Expected outcomes include: Generating new knowledge about dementia stigma in South Asian communities. Increasing awareness and promoting dementia-friendly environments. Sharing findings through academic publications, conferences, community presentations, and multilingual infographics in Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu to reach a broader audience.

What Will Happen in This Study?

Participants will share their experiences of living with dementia or caring for someone living with dementia through a Zoom or phone interview. Participants may also choose to be interviewed in person. The interview will take approximately one to one and a half hours. Interviews can be completed in English, Hindi, Urdu, or Bengali.

Who is Eligible to Participate in this Study?

You are eligible to participate if you:
- live with dementia or provide care for a loved one living with dementia
- live in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA)
- connect your roots or ethnicity to Bangladesh, India, or Pakistan
- are sixteen years of age or older
- can provide consent
- speak English, Hindi, Urdu, or Bengali

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