Understanding the lives of families living with dementia in the British-Pakistani Muslim community

This pilot project, led by Professor Peter Kevern, seeks to find out what influences people caring for relatives with dementia in Muslim families. It is the latest project in an on-going programme of research addressing Dementia Friendly Churches.

Minority-ethnic communities in the UK are known to suffer from health inequalities. People of South Asian origin typically present to dementia services at a later stage and make less use of the support available but there has been little research into the role of religious communities in addressing or reinforcing these inequalities.

The research was carried out among British-Pakistani Muslims to look at how their religion may provide sources of social, psychological and emotional support or burden; how religious beliefs and practices help or hinder access to services and advice; and how service providers may need to change their approach in order to become more accessible to this hidden army of carers.

The research has informed, inspired and embedded changes in church communities to contribute to the wellbeing of people with dementia.

Enhancing social care for older people using the resources of faith-based communities