Needs of older people living with dementia in low and middle-income Asian countries: A scoping review

Background: Population ageing in low and middle-income Asian countries is associated with increased prevalence of dementia. The proportion of people with dementia in countries such as Bangladesh and Thailand are increasing. People with dementia can have complex care and health service needs. If these needs are not adequately met, this can result in a decreased quality of life and burden on the health system. There is considerable research into the needs of people with dementia in high-income countries. However, research on the needs of people living with dementia in low and middle-income countries remains underexplored. The aim of this study was to review and summarise the literature on the health and social care needs of older people with dementia in low and middle-income Asian countries. Methods: Five online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and PsycINFO) and google scholar were searched. The databases were searched using a selection of key words. PRISMA-ScR approach was followed in reporting the process. Key findings: We extracted eight studies related to the health and social care needs of people with dementia that met our inclusion criteria. From the available literature, needs were categorised across five categories: (i) social, cognitive, and mental health needs; (ii) physical needs; (iii) care and service needs; (iv) knowledge-related needs; and (v) spiritual care needs. Conclusion: While eight papers were located which discussed the needs of people with dementia across a range of domains, this review demonstrates a deficit in the current evidence-base about the health and social care needs of people living with dementia in low and middle-income Asian countries. Further research is needed to identify health and care needs of people with dementia and how these needs are being met.