Native Hawaiian Alzheimer's Caregivers and their Experience of Anticipatory Grief

Abstract

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease and the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Informal caregivers are providing the greatest margin of care. Due to the trajectory of the disease these caregivers are overwhelmed and experience anticipatory grief. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing minority group in America. The AANHPI are comprised of 50 subgroups with 100 different languages. Alzheimer’s and dementia research among these subgroups is limited due to a lack of disaggregated data. According to the literature, Native Hawaiian elders experience historical trauma and multiple health disparities which includes a shorter life expectancy and early onset Alzheimer’s. Therefore, this qualitative study examined Native Hawaiian Alzheimer’s caregivers and their experience of anticipatory grief.