SOCIETY, STIGMA AND ALZHEIMER’S CARE GIVERS IN PIMS

Abstract

The topic selected for this research is society, stigma and Alzheimer's care givers in PIMS. In Pakistan, Alzheimer's research and services are scarce. There is limited information available in Pakistan on the prevalence and experience of Alzheimer's. In this regard this research has been conducted to assess people's understanding, beliefs, and attitudes concerning Alzheimer the following issues were investigated in the research were to document the perception of diversified segment of population about Alzheimer's disease, to document the various stigmas associated with Alzheimer, to compile coping mechanisms in family caregivers particularly and society in general. Semi-structured interviews were used to investigate the experiences of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and for the general public to investigate their understanding about Alzheimer's. The sample size was 15 caregivers and 20 respondents from general public. Caregivers and general public interviewed were aged 24–70. The interviews were done in Urdu initially, then translated into English and thematically evaluated. Knowledge and awareness; stigma; the significance of religion and the responsibility to care; the usage of day care centers and home-help; and barriers are some of the issues that arose from this study. Alzheimer's disease is widely misunderstood in Pakistan. Caregiving decisions were motivated by the religious obligation to care for one's family. Day care facilities and home-help services were poorly known, and they were frequently avoided and considered unfavorably. The novel results included caregivers thought that Alzheimer's/dementia should not be stigmatized, and that awareness should be promoted in Pakistan through TV, radio, and social media. More study is needed to evaluate attitudes about day care centers and home-help