8 Tips for Culturally Competent Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that impairs memory, language, behavior, and thinking. It often begins with mild symptoms, such as forgetting words mid-sentence, and gradually worsens over time, making it difficult for individuals to perform daily tasks. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.7 million adults aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s-related dementias. Age is the greatest known risk factor. Although the disease doesn’t discriminate by race, around 1.1 million Black seniors above 65 have reported cognitive decline linked to Alzheimer’s or other causes.

According to Alzheimer’s Society, a few studies have suggested that Black Africans and Black Caribbeans are more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease compared to other racial groups. Also, they are often presented with more severe symptoms, including motor disturbances, irritability, aggression, and behavioral changes. There is no known cure for the disease, meaning it can only be managed. To effectively do that, the caregiver must be competent in the patient’s cultural background.

Why cultural competence in Alzheimer’s care matters

A culturally competent caregiver can interact effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This competency allows them to understand how cultural factors may shape a patient’s behaviors and responses. Cultural competence involves identifying and respecting the beliefs, practices, and values of patients and their families, and understanding how these factors influence decision-making and communication.

When selecting culturally competent Alzheimer’s care for patients in our community, some key elements to consider include addressing communication barriers that may lead to withholding of information, awareness of our culture (like relevant food, music, and community ties that goes beyond the home), and a comprehensive understanding of our various beliefs and practices.

Several studies have shown that when it comes to mental health, patients tend to have better health outcomes when they connect with their caregivers. That is what cultural competence helps to achieve with Alzheimer’s patients. Cultural competence also helps to spot and eliminate common barriers to care like language, mistrust of our seniors for the healthcare systems due to historic racism, and differences in religious beliefs and world view.

8 tips for culturally competent Alzheimer’s care

Accurate Alzheimer’s diagnosis can only happen when the caregiver understands the patient’s cultural background. This is possible if the provider has received cultural sensitivity training. Some of the ways families of seniors with Alzheimer’s can get culturally competent care for their loved one are outlined below.

Seek providers trained in cultural competence: Caregiver who have received cultural competence training on Black communities will better connect with their patients and break any insecurities that may come between them and care.
Use caregivers that share background with the patient: Understanding cultural and language sensitivities is easier if the caregiver shares the same background with the patient. Where possible, seek the services of Black caregivers or physicians.
Incorporate spirituality: Many adults in our communities resort to religious coping methods, including prayers and pastoral guidance, when facing mental illness, and would easily open up to caregivers who share similar spiritual devotion.
Tailor communication styles: The right caregiver should be familiar with how Black families communicate. This includes being aware of words or phrases that we consider offensive.
Understands historical mistrust: The caregiver must understand our historical distrust for the health sector, mostly stemming from racism, to help Black seniors living with Alzheimer’s in our community overcome this deep seething barrier.
Community-based approach: Adult daycares offer people with Alzheimer’s the opportunity to socialize and participate in fun activities in a safe environment. Visiting an adult daycare also offers the caregiver a break to focus on other tasks. In communities where there is no adult daycare, the caregiver should be willing to work with their peers to create a safe, fun space for the seniors within their care to socialize.
Diet, music, and traditional practices: A culturally competent care plan should include diet, music, and other traditional practices that the Black senior find familiar and enjoyable. Brain stimulation has shown promise to potentially improve memory in people with Alzheimer’s—diet and music can help stimulate the brain and improve memory.
Involving family members: Our communities promote close-knit family connections. A tailored culturally competent Alzheimer’s care should encourage the involvement of the family members in the care process.

Black individuals living with Alzheimer’s are already facing the challenges of mental decline, often compounded by the effects of systemic racism, cultural misunderstanding, and medical neglect. Culturally responsive care can make a significant difference in both the quality of care and the dignity of the patient’s experience.

Caregivers serving our community are encouraged to seek training in cultural competence to better understand and meet the unique needs of Black patients and families. ACT on Alzheimer’s offers free training resources on cultural competence and awareness. These resources equip caregivers with the tools to understand cultural nuances, address biases, and build trust—leading to a more respectful, effective, and compassionate care.

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