Needs of Special Population Groups

What is Dementia?

iii. Needs of Special Population Groups

Aim

The aim of this content focus area is to outline the special needs of groups of people with dementia and their carers, who's needs are often not met by mainstream services.

Outcome

By the end of this content focus area you will have an awareness of the needs of special groups which are not currently being addressed by mainstream services.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) communities

The 'conversation' about dementia-related issues in ATSI communities has, until recently been largely ignored [1]. In particular, this has been due to:

(i) A misconception that dementia is only a 'condition of old age' and therefore, due to the substantially lower life expectancy of individuals from ATSI backgrounds relative to those from non-ATSI backgrounds, it is unlikely that ATSI populations will experience significant levels of dementia.

(ii) A lack of culturally-relevant and sensitive dementia-related screening tools has prevented practitioners from accurately detecting dementia in individuals from ATSI backgrounds
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities

Since dementia is associated with decreased cognitive functioning when a person who's first language is not English develops dementia the impact of the dementia can be more challenging than for other people with dementia. This issue is particularly significant in Australia where among those over 60 years,
(i) 16% speak a language other than English at home; and
(ii) 33% were born in a country other than Australia [2].

When individuals from these communities develop dementia their ability to communicate their needs becomes more even more compromised than for someone who is able to communicate through English language. It is predicted that over time the numbers of people speaking a language other than English at home will increase in Australia as the number of migrants increases [2]. Thus, it is an imperative for health care practitioners to learn more about the wide range of cultures in which their clients live and develop clinical practice to meet the needs of this special group.

Resources and References

[1] AA (2007b) - [Click Here]
[2] Access Economics - [Click Here]

Activity

Please now access the references listed above and the answer the following questions:

Question 1 : At what age should screening for dementia begin for persons of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin? (please tick select one)

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Correct answer: 40 Years

The lower than usual age group at which screening should be commenced within Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities is due to two factors: (i) increased exposure to risk factors for dementia and (ii) a lower life expectancy than within the wider Australian population. Both of these factors require practitioners to consider screening for dementia at a lower age range than would be considered appropriate within other population groups

Resource: [1] page 15 & 19

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Question 2 : An 80 year old Greek lady with dementia is admitted to your place of work. Which one of these is the most important to communicate effectively with her? (please select one)

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Correct answer: Finding out the person's likes and dislikes

The other strategies are likely to be less meaningful because the stress and anxiety associated with a hospital admission can reduce a personÕs memory and cognitive functioning to below its usual levels. Thus, the other strategies are likely to be less effective than getting to know the person.

Resource: [2] page 4

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