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Lookup NU author(s): Manjot Brar, Professor Dame Louise Robinson
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2025 The Alzheimer's Association. Alzheimer's & Dementia published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Alzheimer's Association.BACKGROUND: In the UK there is no recommended method for predicting dementia risk and current prediction models available have been developed using homogenous datasets. This is concerning given that low-income and ethnic minority groups are at high risk for dementia and face inequalities in accessing early diagnosis and treatment. METHOD: We conducted a qualitative study using task group methodology to explore knowledge of dementia, attitudes towards dementia risk prediction, and barriers and facilitators to accessing dementia services for diverse populations in England. Participants were recruited through convenience and purposeful sampling and task groups were held at local community group venues or online. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-nine participants aged between 40 and 80, representing low-income and ethnically diverse groups participated in the task groups. Participants had some knowledge about dementia but there were challenges accessing information. Participants also shared concerns about healthcare professionals' lack of understanding of dementia. Knowledge of risk factors was comprehensive but limited for dementia risk prediction and screening. Attitudes towards risk prediction were positive and using risk prediction tools was viewed as empowering. Participants stressed the need to improve awareness and consider the potential psychological impact of a high-risk result. Barriers to dementia services for diverse groups included challenges in accessing healthcare services, stigma, language, and cultural/religious views about dementia. Recommendations for service improvement include workforce training on cultural awareness, improving language support in dementia services and tailored community engagement approaches to improve understanding of dementia risk prediction. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into current knowledge and attitudes towards dementia, risk prediction and the use of risk prediction tools among diverse populations in England. Barriers to health services for diverse groups alongside service improvement recommendations provide a starting point for health services to develop culturally aware and inclusive dementia services.
Author(s): Bajwa RK, Hanjari M, Al-Oraibi A, Akeya RK, Brar M, Robinson L, Stephan BC, Qureshi N, Bains M
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC 2025)
Year of Conference: 2025
Pages: e101011
Print publication date: 01/12/2025
Online publication date: 23/12/2025
Acceptance date: 02/04/2025
Date deposited: 08/01/2026
ISSN: 1552-5260
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/alz70860_101011
DOI: 10.1002/alz70860_101011
PubMed id: 41435118
Notes: Poster presentation.
Series Title: Alzheimer's & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer's Association
