Cultural aspects of dementia: Australian and Fijian perspectives

Dementia is a growing public health priority globally. Both Fijian and Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face barriers to seeking timely care for dementia. Factors include lack of knowledge and resources, and low accessibility of services. Access to accurate dementia diagnosis in Australian Indigenous communities is facilitated through culturally appropriate and validated tools such as the Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment which can be modified for use in other indigenous populations. As the population ages, health system responses to dementia will be required in the coming years in Fiji and other Pacific Island countries. Culturally appropriate awareness raising and education may be effective for supporting caregivers and understanding contextual factors including pathways to diagnosis, diagnostic assessment and beliefs and experiences of dementia, will be important in developing a sustainable response to dementia in Fiji.

Fiji Journal of Public Health

Fiji Journal of Public Health

7

2307-7484

N/A

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