‘Ākiheuho: Fighting dementia in Pacific
For many Pacific people suffering from dementia, diagnosis isn’t made until the late stages—meaning fewer opportunities for intervention to slow the illness, and financial stresses borne by families instead of Aotearoa’s health system.
Healthcare provider ‘Akiheuho (Aotearoa Tongan Health Workers Association Inc.) is fighting this both by educating people about dementia, and by providing culturally appropriate support through the journey of diagnosis and treatment. It is the first Pacific provider to be funded by Te Whatu Ora to focus on dementia support in Pacific communities.
Chief Executive Makahokovalu (Maka) Pailate says that early intervention is the key. “Our research shows that in many Pacific families, people with dementia are often formally diagnosed when there’s very little we can do to slow the disease.
“If people are diagnosed in the early stages, they’re still aware of what’s happening, and can take part in exercises that help slow the progression of dementia—which is a much better outcome for our families.”
Educating the community about dementia
Maka says often, people don’t understand the symptoms they see in themselves or their loved ones, and may try and hide them.
“Dementia is a slow decline of the cognitive function of the brain—it is nothing to be ashamed of.
“It’s key to work with our communities to raise awareness of dementia and what the symptoms are, so they can be recognised early and the first step taken—which is booking an appointment with their GP. From there, we can help support them with their journey in a way designed to help them feel safe and respected at every point.”
Maka says it’s also a matter of equity.
“Often, families are looking after people with dementia at home, using their own money to do so. The thing is that if people are formally diagnosed with dementia, they can access government funding to help with care—meaning their own financial resources can be used where they are most needed, to support their families.”
Expanding into the wider Pacific community
‘Ākiheuho was originally created to serve the Tongan community in Aotearoa, which has been the focus of the first six months of the dementia service.
“When we received funding for the service from Te Whatu Ora, it was to support all Pacific communities,” says Maka. “So we started with the Tongan community, as we know them best. We’re now working on rolling the service out to the Samoan community, with the help of Samoan community leaders and after that, will move on to other Pacific ethnicities—being guided by community leaders of those ethnicities all the way. “
‘Ākiheuho dementia services includes twice-weekly sessions with community elders including those with dementia, dementia interventions with exercises including Manatu Melie – a programme of recalling and talking through events people remember from when they were young – support for people with dementia and their families from diagnosis onwards, and raising awareness within the community for people with dementia.