Older adults' concerns about cognitive health: commonalities and differences among six United States ethnic groups

Abstract

We studied concerns about cognitive health among ethnically diverse groups of older adults. The study was grounded in theories of health behaviour and the representation of health and illness. We conducted 42 focus groups (N=396, ages 50+) in four languages, with African Americans, American Indians, Chinese Americans, Latinos, Whites other than Latinos (hereafter, Whites) and Vietnamese Americans, in nine United States locations. Participants discussed concerns about keeping their memory or ability to think as they age. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Constant comparison methods identified themes. In findings, all ethnic groups expressed concern and fear about memory loss, losing independence, and becoming ‘a burden’. Knowing someone with Alzheimer's disease increased concern. American Indians, Chinese Americans, Latinos and Vietnamese Americans expected memory loss. American Indians, Chinese Americans and Vietnamese Americans were concerned about stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease. Only African Americans, Chinese and Whites expressed concern about genetic risks. Only African Americans and Whites expressed concern about behaviour changes. Although we asked participants for their thoughts about their ability to think as they age, they focused almost exclusively on memory. This suggests that health education promoting cognitive health should focus on memory, but should also educate the public about the importance of maintaining all aspects of cognitive health.

The Experience of Family Caregivers of Older Korean Americans With Dementia Symptoms

“…Our caregivers explained their reluctance mainly because of their sense of family responsibility. While it was not openly discussed among our participants, it has been suggested that reluctance of using nursing care among Asian Americans could be due in part to the concern for being seen by the community as abandoning their responsibility, an act that brings shame to family (Laditka et al, 2011;Liu et al, 2008). As sense of shame is known to influence help-seeking of Asian Americans, health care professionals need to be cognizant of this cultural belief in working with Korean American families.…”

“…There is also an indication of denial and fear to face the disease that may lead to reluctance among some Korean Americans to seek formal assessment and diagnosis. Dementia is indeed, and understandably, one of the most feared diseases across other racial/ethnic groups (Laditka et al, 2011). It is essential that educational dementia intervention for Korean Americans addresses correct disease information as well as the importance and urgency of receiving timely clinical assessment and appropriate treatments.…”

“…Research has shown that Korean Americans have considerably limited knowledge and misconceptions about dementia, as do other Asian Americans (Hinton, Franz, Yeo, & Levkoff, 2005;Laditka et al, 2011Laditka et al, , 2012Watari & Gatz, 2004), which could prevent them from recognizing early symptoms and help-seeking (Jones, Chow, & Gatz, 2006). For instance, Korean Americans often consider forgetfulness in old age as a sign of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but believe AD to be a normal part of aging; Korean Americans also lack knowledge about treatments, diagnoses, and causes of AD; and some believe lifetime stress factors and hardship can cause dementia (Jang, Kim, & Chiriboga, 2010;Lee, Diwan, & Yeo, 2010;.…”

Is Social Network a Protective Factor for Cognitive Impairment in US Chinese Older Adults? Findings from the PINE Study

“…The composition of social network will affect the quantity and quality of social network, and in turn, influence cognitive function. Meanwhile, traditional Chinese culture may impact the cognitive function of older adults by way of attaching strong stigma to dementia [48,49]. From the perspective of the transtheoretical model of behavior change [50], the negative perception of cognitive impairment may prevent Chinese older adults from engaging in seeking behaviors for cognitive impairment in early stage.…”

Mediating Age-related Cognitive Decline Through Lifestyle Activities: A Brief Review Of The Effects Of Physical Exercise And Sports-playing On Older Adult Cognition

“…In light of the globally increasing proportion of older adults, the question of how to offset and even reverse structural and functional decline is steadily gaining in importance. Understandably, retaining cognitive health into older adulthood is of great concern to most older adults [1]. Both scholarly and commercial interest has been vested in identifying ways in which cognition can be stimulated in a way that can promise transfer to real-world tasks and activities.…”