MEANINGS OF MEMORY: UNDERSTANDING AGING AND DEMENTIA IN FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES ON MANITOULIN ISLAND, ONTARIO

Abstract

<p>This thesis reports results from my PhD research investigating experiences of aging and dementia among First Nations seniors on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Dementia has been identified as a growing problem in Aboriginal communities by researchers and Aboriginal stakeholders. However, little research has documented First Nations peoples’ explanatory models of dementia or aging. In this thesis I explore Manitoulin Island First Nations people’s knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviours related to healthy aging and dementia. I present data that documents explanatory models of successful aging and dementia, issues surrounding help-seeking and treatment, and practices relating to care-giving. This research uses an ethnographic approach following a community-based participatory action research design. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were carried out with seniors, people with dementia, informal family caregivers, health care providers, and traditional healers in seven First Nations communities on Manitoulin Island. Focus groups were carried out with nurses and personal support workers. A total of 59 participants were involved in this research. Participant observation was used to enrich interview data. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to interpret participants’ lived experiences of aging and dementia. This research demonstrates that First Nations seniors strive to remain healthy and engaged in life as they age. However, it also demonstrates that dementia is a growing problem in First Nations communities. Although First Nations people are generally accepting of memory loss in old age as a natural occurrence, a conflicting perception of dementia as pathological was also present. This research demonstrates that changes to culture and ways of life are perceived to have a significant impact on First Nations peoples’ ability to age successfully and on the emergence of dementia as a growing health concern. I conclude that improving access to culturally safe supports and services is needed to ensure that people can better cope with the challenges of aging and dementia.</p>