Professor Rita Krishnamurthi
Auckland, March 27, 2025
Dementia is on the rise in New Zealand, yet many in the Asian community remain undiagnosed and unsupported. A new research initiative offers hope for the Indian community, and you can be a part of it.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a chronic neurodegenerative disease (progressive loss of brain cells) with no cure and limited treatment options. It is different from ordinary forgetfulness.
There are many types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia (which can happen, for example, after a stroke).
In New Zealand, those of Asian ethnicity, including the Indian Diaspora, will see the largest increase in dementia in the next 20 years. Asian families also have poor access to health and social care, mental health services, and medication; these services are often culturally and linguistically inappropriate for their elders. Language barriers and stigma are issues faced when Asian people living in New Zealand access dementia services.
Researchers at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the University of Auckland are trying to address these issues with a study funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. The study is led by the author of this article, Professor Rita Krishnamurthi (Researcher in Public Health and Associate Professor Gary Cheung (an Old Age Psychiatrist and Researcher).
We aim to adapt an intervention to help people and families at the early stages of dementia.
Indian and Chinese communities are working together towards solutions for improving the lives of people with dementia and their families (Photo Supplied)
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an activity-based group intervention that has been shown to improve cognition (abilities such as thinking and memory) and quality of life in people with mild to moderate dementia. The evidence for CST on cognition is highlighted in the Lancet commissioned report on dementia, which states CST is ‘the psychological approach with the strongest evidence for improving cognition.’
Studies have also found benefits in cognition with a potential delay in the onset of severe dementia by six months. CST is recommended in dementia care guidelines.
Our research aims to adapt CST and assess the feasibility of this intervention among Indians and Chinese, filling a significant gap in dementia needs for people and their families.
The current CST intervention has been developed for English-speaking populations.
Cultural Adaptation
Cultural adaptation is needed to ensure that Indian and Chinese people with dementia living in New Zealand will benefit from this intervention. This is paramount to ensure the intervention is culturally tailored and meaningful.
CST is delivered in a small group format and a friendly social setting, with the engagement of activities and discussions aimed at enhancing cognition and social functioning.
There are 14 group sessions (twice a week over seven weeks) of themed activities. For example, the activities in the Indian group will include discussions around familiar Indian food, spices, places, festivals, games, music, and current events and will be conducted in Hindi.
Trained facilitators who speak the relevant languages will deliver the CST using culturally adapted tools. Pilot CST groups of eight to 10 people with dementia will be delivered to each of the four groups (Hindi, Fiji Hindi, Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese Chinese).
At the end of the study, we will synthesise the information and produce a report on the acceptability and feasibility of delivering the adapted CST in the relevant communities.
A draft CST manual will be produced for each of the four ethnic groups.
Some leaders of the Indian Community at a stakeholders Meeting on CST held in 2024 (Photo Supplied)
Who can join?
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed by a doctor with mild to moderate dementia and speaks Hindi or Fiji-Hindi, we would love to hear from you. If you or your family member think they may have dementia but are unsure, it is recommended that they see their GP for a diagnosis.
We need your help.
Take part in a free, culturally adapted therapy designed for the Indian community.
Trained facilitators will conduct these sessions in Hindi and Fiji Hindi.
Transportation can be arranged or reimbursed for families assisting with travel.
Family members are welcome to attend and observe the background.
Engage in fun, interactive sessions that stimulate the mind and brain function.
Connect with others in a safe and supportive environment.
Contribute to important research that will benefit future generations.
Let us break the silence, support our families, and create a future where dementia care is accessible and inclusive for our community.
To learn more or sign up, contact Project Manager Lily Yee at 021953698 or Professor Rita Krishnamurthi at 021556071.
Professor Rita Krishnamurthi is a Public Health Researcher and Deputy Director of the National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences at the School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University Technology.
