Inpatient services when a loved one experiences memory loss
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Family members experience of inpatient services when a loved one of African Caribbean heritage experiences memory loss.
IRAS ID
360433
Contact name
Melissa G Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
BSMHFT Inpatient Servics
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 10 months, 2 days
Research summary
Memory Loss is a decline in a person's ability to remember information and complete daily activities, it can also prevent the person from wanting to socialise, have trouble with their feelings and change their behaviour. In the UK over 850,000 have a formal diagnosis of dementia and 25,000 of these come from Black, Asian or minority ethnic groups. Research has shown that those from these ethnic groups visit their doctor quite some time after experiencing memory difficulties, which makes it harder for them to get the right diagnosis and/or treatment. Those of African Caribbean heritage are the highest risk group for Dementia diagnosis but yet remain one of the most underrepresented groups in touch with professional services. Research has demonstrated that those from an African Caribbean population are more likely to provide care to their loved ones informally due to historic experiences of racism. mistrust and stigmas associated with a dementia diagnosis. These factors make this group less likely to approach services for support and only do so when they reach crisis point and can no longer care for their loved one at home. At this stage the loved one is often admitted to hospital which can often be very confusing and traumatising to the individual. Given the evidence base and the resistance from this particular ethnic group to engage with professional services - being admitted to hospital would naturally present unique challenges to how the individual and their family now makes sense of their experience and how they will now navigate decision making now that they have reached crisis point.
The aim of this research is to understand the family-carers perspective of their loved ones cognitive. behavioural and personality changes in relation to memory loss and their journey up to admission and their time in inpatient services.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0173
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion