Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Care and support for people with dementia and their families in South Africa are largely inadequate. Responses to dementia are driven by a widespread lack of understanding of dementia amongst the general public, communities, and within local health, policy- and social care systems. This presentation will focus on the findings of a situational analysis completed within the STRIDE project (i.e. strengthening responses to dementia in developing countries) that provided an evidence base to inform priority-setting for strengthening responses to dementia in South Africa.

Method: Evidence was generated on current provisions for older persons and their families through: (1) an in-depth desk review; (2) multi-stakeholder interviews; and (3) a SWOT-analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats).

Result: Our findings highlight the gaps in current service provision from diagnosis through to follow up support and end-of-life care. The findings show how structural factors (including stigma and discrimination) create barriers to diagnosis, support and care.

Conclusion: There is an urgent need for inter-sectoral policy development in South Africa to support adequate health, social care, and long-term care solutions for people with dementia and their families. This situational analysis provides an evidence base to inform priority-setting and strengthening responses to dementia in South Africa.