Development of a model of help-seeking for dementia diagnosis by the person experiencing changes and family supporters.

OBJECTIVES

This paper aimed to develop a model to describe help-seeking for dementia diagnosis. The practical model is intended to guide public health interventions to increase help-seeking.

METHOD: The model was developed by our multidisciplinary team based on qualitative semi-structured interviews in English (n = 33) and Chinese (n = 8) with older people, people with dementia and carers. The model was also informed by systematic reviews on help-seeking for dementia diagnosis, theories of help-seeking and further iterated based on feedback from a co-design group (n = 10).

RESULTS

The model starts with changes which might be symptoms of dementia being observed by the person or family/friends and ends in dementia assessment. Model steps are (1) The person deciding that the changes represent a health problem; (2) obtaining support or confirmation from family/friends that the changes are a health problem; (3) deciding to seek medical help; and (4) persuading the GP to facilitate dementia assessment. The model applies to English and Chinese-speaking Australians, though there were additional barriers for Chinese speakers. There are personal, family, community and health system barriers at each step.

CONCLUSION

Interventions to improve diagnosis of dementia might target public knowledge of dementia symptoms and benefits of a diagnosis, and general practice.