Dementia and revivalist Islam: New perspectives to understanding dementia and tackling stigma.

Abstract

The notion of stigma and its influence on the understanding of dementia has commonly been recognized as a great challenge to seeking healthcare services for South Asians in England. The aim of this commentary is to examine how Muslims view, understand and tackle dementia stigma in the context of revivalist Islam, especially among Bangladeshi Muslims within their British communities. This article reflects on the interrelationship between dementia and revivalist Islam among Bangladeshi family caregivers and addresses the question of how revivalist Islam is a significant source of understanding dementia and tackling stigma. Bangladeshi caregivers show a practical attitude toward dementia which is generally acknowledged as a medical symptom, and for which family caregivers voluntarily seek healthcare support. This piece highlights underlying principles of caregivers religious beliefs in the acceptance of dementia as a disease, and in help-seeking which is influenced by Qur'anic verses and Prophetic traditions. Bangladeshi caregivers' religious beliefs intertwine with their knowledge, perception, and attitudes toward caregiving for their relatives with dementia. Revivalist Islam offers family caregivers an opportunity to explore their inner wisdom through the challenging journey of caregiving for their family members with dementia.