Factors associated with knowledge in African immigrants with personal experiences of dementia

INTRODUCTION: Dementia literacy shapes understanding of care and caregiving and thus influences the health outcomes of the care partner and the person living with dementia. METHODS: Linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with dementia knowledge among a cross-sectional sample of African immigrants with personal experiences of dementia. RESULTS: Among 191 participants, the mean age was 36 (± 13.8) years, 64% were male, and 81% were care partners. Second-generation African immigrants had statistically significant higher knowledge about dementia causes (4 ± 1.5 vs. 3.5 ± 1.6). Participants who would seek care at health organizations and community networks had higher dementia knowledge compared to those who would seek care at community networks alone (b: 1.23 95% confidence interval [0.25, 2.21]). DISCUSSION: Where an African immigrant would seek care was associated with dementia knowledge. Thus, incorporating community care preferences and community-based approaches into national programs such as the Healthy Brain Initiative, can enhance dementia outreach efforts. Highlights: Effective use of community engagement with Africans to explore current dementia knowledge. Second-generation African immigrants may have more dementia knowledge. African immigrant caregivers may have more dementia knowledge. African immigrants who seek community care only have limited dementia knowledge.