2004 New Investigator Research Grant

Researchers who study dementia care have observed that cultural beliefs and values often shape how a disease is perceived or understood. These perceptions, in turn, influence how clinicians respond to and treat dementia and how families seek professional services and provide care.

Investigators in China have reported that because dementia is usually perceived as a normal or understandable part of aging, there have often been delays in diagnosis and care seeking. Huali Wang, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues hope to characterize how beliefs and values shape perceptions of dementia in China and how these perceptions influence caregiving experiences and care-seeking practices.

The researchers will analyze data from interviews with Chinese caregivers and clinicians and from observational studies of caregiving practices. Results from the analysis will be used to develop a caregiver-focused health education program and a public health education program suitable for China. The potential outcomes of this work are improved quality of life for caregivers and people with dementia in China, changes in health care practices, and a better understanding of cultural factors on perceptions of disease.