Health Determinants and Inequalities in Dementia Management

INTRODUCTION
Public health issues affect the wellbeing of large portion of the population thus it is vital that
they must be managed effectively. Dementia is known as the cognitive which influences
reasoning, behavioural and remembering abilities of individuals. This health issue not only affect
thinking and memory but also has brings severe crucial changes in social life. The diseases are
very common in elderly population. According to Dementia UK report, (2021) by 2021 there
will be nearly 2 million dementia cases in UK. By 2014 statistics dementia prevalence over age
of 65 years is 7.1% of total population. Elderly suffering from dementia suffer from extreme
changes in emotional, social and personality aspect which makes their living very difficult and
painful as well as risky.
Thus it becomes very essential that nurses and other health practitioners must work together
to deliver quality care to elderly population suffering from disease. The health promotional
measures taken by the nurses can also help to prevent the elderly who are at higher risk of
developing dementia. This report discusses various health inequalities and determinants which
regulates dementia prevalence and prevention. It will also evaluate the role of integrated working
and health promotional techniques to manage the public health issue.
LO1 & LO 2
Health determinants of dementia
The factors which influences the health of community or an individual are known as health
determinant. For effective management of disease, it is required that these determinants must be
identified so that appropriate care can be delivered. The key health determinants which can affect
dementia in elderly population are as follows:
Biological: The people above 60 years are highly vulnerable to prevalence of dementia. The
genetic and age factor play significant role in it. However, in UK the onset of dementia before
age of 60 years is also rapidly increasing. Thus individuals may have different vulnerability
depending on their genetics.
Socio-cultural factors: The care and support received by elderly as well as their cultural
practices can slow or boost the dementia progression.
Behavioural: Due to declining physical strengths and age impacts behaviour of old people
changes considerably (Thyrian and et.al., 2017). Thus they used to take dementia management as
1

unnecessary or may not provide their support. Hence their behavioural aspect can worsen the
disease progression.
Health services and related policies: The quality of care provided to old people is also regulated
by available and accessible dementia services and related policies. Thus implementation of
health care policies can also be one of the key determinant for dementia prevalence and
progression among old people.
Health inequalities and their impact on health issue
Health inequalities are known as the avoidable or unjust differences in health conditions
across the population groups. These inequalities lower the quality and right of quality care which
must be given to an individual. The key health inequalities are as follows:
Age: As compare to young people, old generation has higher risk of dementia. The limited
mobility due to age also make the disease management more complicated.
Culture and ethnicity: Dementia can be managed with certain life style changes. However
certain ethnic and cultural groups have higher prevalence of dementia due to genetic factors.
Further they cultural practices and beliefs can prohibit the prevention and control practices or the
access to health care services.
Education and income: The lack of education or awareness can encourage the dementia
progression considerably (Evripidou and et.al., 2019). The poor economic conditions especially
during old age can lead to ineffective treatment and support services increasing the health gaps
among elderly groups
Pre-existing conditions and disabilities: Old people also have higher vulnerabilities of chronic
diseases and disabilities. Thus prevalence of dementia along with other health conditions can
worsen the wellbeing and health outcomes of individual.
Religious and gender perspective: In some religions individuals may consider dementia as
acceptable element of aging. The bias perspective towards a particular gender can also cause
challenges in care delivery.
Impact of regional and national influences on well being
The national health policies and care infrastructure available at local and regional level is
crucial in addressing the public health challenges. The national policies and health care
promotional initiatives guides individuals about their rights and available services. The old
people who are financially dependent on public funds or who does not have emotional support
2