Ageing and memory loss: opinions of Haitian migrants living in Quebec.

Abstract

‘Dementia’ is usually presented as a syndrome characterized by the decline of one or more cognitive abilities such as memory loss. However, memory loss does not necessarily mean dementia. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Its incidence increases with age. In medical anthropology, diseases represent socio-cultural constructs that are not recognized and interpreted in the same way by everyone. Moreover, the migratory context is a source of difficulties in the field of dementia. In this article, we discuss the links between old age, dementia and seeking help in this context. This is an exploratory qualitative study. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with women and men born in Haiti who then immigrated to Quebec. These interviews allowed us to discuss seniors’ status issues, the meaning of memory loss and seeking help. Interview data reveal a plurality of representations about memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. They highlight a diversity of beliefs, attitudes and values that reflect cultural and social changes within the same community. Taking into account the context makes it possible to consider the transformation or continuity of representations and behaviors vis-à-vis loss of memory. Dementia does not seem to be a phenomenon that is easily approached in the Haitian community in Quebec. Our study reveals a lack of information in this regard.