Caregivers in China: knowledge of mild cognitive impairment

This study aimed to examine the experience and knowledge of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among Chinese family caregivers of individuals with MCI. The sample was recruited from memory clinics in Zhongnan Hospital in Wuhan, China. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used. Thirteen family membe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PloS one 2013-01, Vol.8 (1), p.e53928
Main Authors: Dai, Baozhen, Mao, Zongfu, Mei, John, Levkoff, Sue, Wang, Huali, Pacheco, Misty, Wu, Bei
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aging
Aging - psychology
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimers disease
Analysis
Asian Americans
Caregivers
Caregivers - psychology
China
Cognitive ability
Cognitive Dysfunction - physiopathology
Cognitive Dysfunction - psychology
Data analysis
Data processing
Dementia
Dementia - physiopathology
Dementia - psychology
Dementia disorders
Family - psychology
Geriatrics
Health aspects
Humans
Impairment
Information management
Interviews
Knowledge
Long term health care
Male
Medicine
Memory
Memory Disorders - physiopathology
Memory Disorders - psychology
Older people
Perception
Public health
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Studies
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Summary:This study aimed to examine the experience and knowledge of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among Chinese family caregivers of individuals with MCI. The sample was recruited from memory clinics in Zhongnan Hospital in Wuhan, China. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used. Thirteen family members of individuals diagnosed with MCI participated in the study. Data analysis revealed three themes: 1) initial recognition of cognitive decline; 2) experience of the diagnosis of MCI; 3) perception of cognitive decline as a normal part of aging. While family members recognized the serious consequences of memory loss (e.g. getting lost), they would typically not take their family members to see a doctor until something specific triggered their access to the medical care system. The Chinese traditional perception of dementia as part of normal aging may serve to lessen the stigma of individuals with MCI, while the term "laonian chidai" which literally translates to "stupid, demented elderly" may exacerbate the stigma associated with individuals with MCI. It is suggested that family members' worries may be relieved by improving their access to accurate knowledge of the disease, community-based and institutional care services, and culturally appropriately words are needed for MCI.
ISSN:1932-6203
1932-6203
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0053928