While much research has been undertaken into dementia, most of it is Eurocentric, neglects the social dimension of dementia, and focuses on cure rather than care, despite increasing needs for care for those experiencing dementia.
This project aims to lay the groundwork for research across four different cultures, understanding how caregiving is carried out in the context of dementia in conversation with the theologies and practices that are indigenous to each culture. The cultures are Aboriginal Australians, Gunadule people of Panama, Travelling people in the UK and British West Indians. All four have experienced oppression and colonisation; each have distinct Christian theologies and practices of care that differ from European perspectives. Each understands and responds differently to dementia. The first stage of research involves a literature review and the creation of an advisory network for the future research.