Perceptions of Dementia Among Urban Older Adults in Southern Thailand: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Dementia is increasing among older adults globally and in Thailand. However,it is often misunderstood as a normal part of aging, and there is limited evidence exploring older adults’ perspectives on dementia, particularly in urban areas in Southern
Thailand. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to describe older adults’perceptions of dementia in an urban context in Southern Thailand and was conducted from June to August 2024. Twenty-four participants were recruited through purposive sampling using the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The data were analyzed using content analysis.
The findings illustrate that dementia was identified as three themes: 1) Dementiais unfamiliar and is not perceived as a risk, 2) Dementia is considered normal age-related forgetfulness, and 3) Dementia is viewed as a familial risk without engagement in preventive behaviors. These findings suggest that nurses should develop and implement community-based dementia literacy programs for urban older adults. These programs should focus on improving knowledge, including distinguishing normal cognitive aging from early signs of dementia and understanding its impacts. Furthermore, nurses should integrate routine cognitive screening into geriatric assessments to promote early detection, facilitate preventive engagement, and contribute to long-term societal benefits.