Background Despite a growing elderly South Asian population, little is known about the experience of diagnosis and care for those living with dementia. There have been a number of individual qualitative studies exploring the experiences of South Asian people living with dementia and their carers across different contexts. There has also been a growing interest in synthesizing qualitative research to systematically integrate qualitative evidence from multiple studies to tell us more about a topic at a more abstract level than single studies alone. The aim of this qualitative synthesis was to clearly identify the gaps in the literature and produce new insights regarding the knowledge and understanding of the attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs of the South Asian community about dementia. Methods Following a systematic search of the literature, included qualitative studies were assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological quality. Data were extracted and pooled using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (QARI). Findings were synthesized using the Joanna Briggs Institute approach to qualitative synthesis by meta-aggregation. Results Seventeen papers were critically appraised, with 13 meeting the inclusion criteria. Participants were mostly of South Asians of Indian background; followed by Pakistani with a few Sri Lankans. Missing South Asian countries from the current evidence base included those from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal. Three meta-synthesis themes emerged from the analysis: (1) a poor awareness and understanding of dementia, (2) the experience of caregiving, and (3) the attitudes toward dementia care provision. Conclusions A consistent message from this qualitative synthesis was the limited knowledge and understanding of dementia amongst the South Asians. Whilst symptoms of dementia such as ‘memory loss’ were believed to be a part of a normal ageing process, some South Asian carers viewed dementia as demons or God’s punishments. Most studies reported that many South Asians were explicit in associating stigmas with dementia.

Background: Most people with dementia are cared for by their families at home. This study investigated family carers' identification of barriers and facilitators when caring for a person with dementia at home. Design and methods: Thirteen co-resident family carers were engaged in semistructured in-depth walking interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Home environments can pose a number of challenges and opportunities. Aspects of the architectural and interior environment (e.g. size, condition, layout and accessibility, familiarity) are perceived as important (Theme 1) as well as a plethora of environmental strategies that encourage independence and comfort at home (Theme 2). Carers' scepticism, timing, costs, property characteristics and mistrust of services are some barriers to implementing environmental strategies (Theme 3). Conclusions: Carers often improvise solutions through trial and error. Environmental strategies can create an enabling and comfortable home environment.

Background The domestic home is the preferred site for care provision for people with dementia and their families, therefore creating a dementia and caring friendly home environment is crucial. This systematic review synthesised qualitative studies to explore the role of the home environment and identify potential barriers and facilitators in home dementia care and support to inform future practice and research. Methods A systematic search in 12 databases identified international qualitative literature on perceptions and experiences of community-dwelling people with dementia, family and formal carers regarding the role of the home environment and ways to tackle daily challenges. Results Forty qualitative studies were included and analysed using thematic synthesis. The main three themes were: 'home as a paradox', 'there is no magic formula' and 'adapting the physical space, objects and behaviour'. Findings indicate that home is an important setting and is likely to change significantly responding to the changing nature of dementia. Themes were later validated by family carers of people with dementia. Conclusions The home environment is an important setting for care and needs to remain flexible to accommodate changes and challenges. Family carers and people with dementia implement and often improvise, various environmental strategies. Continuous and tailor-made support at home is required.

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Background: Increasing life expectancy worldwide means more people will develop dementia. Despite the rapid growth in older Bangladeshi immigrants living in the UK, there is little evidence of how community members understand and view the process of ageing and dementia. However, Bangladeshis have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease, both of which are important indicators of dementia development in old age. This study aimed to explore and analyse the perception and knowledge of, and attitudes towards, ageing and dementia among the Bangladeshi community. Methods: A qualitative research approach guided two separate focus group discussions held with Bangladeshi adults in Portsmouth, UK. A topic guide was used alongside two vignettes depicting either early-or latestage dementia to stimulate discussion. The data were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically using NVivo qualitative software. Results: Three main themes emerged: (1) knowledge and perceptions of dementia; (2) perceived causes of dementia; and (3) perceptions of stigma about dementia. Lack of knowledge and understanding of dementia was evident, but the stigma about dementia was non-existent. This study fills a research gap by providing qualitative research examining knowledge about and attitudes towards dementia among a Bangladeshi community in England. Conclusion: Future research must highlight the importance of raising dementia awareness among, and providing information about dementia caregiving to, Bangladeshi community members, as well as providing religiously sensitive healthcare services.of dementia among Bangladeshi community members, has been highlighted. The results will provide insight for service providers, policy makers, and researchers into how dementia is perceived in the Bangladeshi community and why it has remained unreported and labelled within the broader BAME communities. It is also hoped that this study has explored the concept of dementia in depth and examined the impact of stigma on individuals, caregivers, and communities.