Dementia in Zimbabwe: Perceptions, Issues, and Inclusion

Globally, dementia is common mainly among the aged population. While dementia is a worldwide problem, there are diverse issues relating to perceptions and the resultant care for and inclusion of people with the condition, particularly in developing countries. People in all societies are influenced by cultural beliefs, norms, values and traditions to understand and respond to both social and biomedical problems. In this context, the paper explores the perceptions of people in both rural and urban areas of Zimbabwe pertaining to awareness of and sensitivity to dementia, the attendant issues and inclusive practices relating specifically to dementia. Using qualitative-dominant methodology to guarantee in-depth understanding, the paper gives primacy to various categories of participants including people with dementia, their relatives, caregivers, community members and leaders, and policy makers. The central findings are that there are enduring knowledge gaps relating to dementia and how to care for dementia patients; culture shapes perceptions on dementia and the resultant interaction with and acceptance of dementia patients; and that inclusion of people with dementia is largely low. Accordingly, the paper advances new scholarly thinking and practice for a culture and heritage of inclusion where people with dementia have guaranteed access to their fundamental rights, freedoms and benefits.