Mate Wareware: Understanding 'Dementia' From A M(A)Over-Barori Perspective

AIM: To investigate M (a) over bar ori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand) understandings of dementia, its causes, and ways to manage a wh (a) over bar nau (extended family) member with dementia.METHOD: We undertook kaupapa M (a) over bar ori research (M (a) over bar ori informed research) with 223 kaum (a) over bar tua (M (a) over bar ori elders) who participated in 17 focus groups across seven study regions throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and eight wh (a) over bar nau from the Waikato region. We audio recorded all interviews, transcribed them and then coded and categorised the data into themes.RESULTS: Mate wareware (becoming forgetful and unwell) ('dementia') affects the wairua (spiritual dimension) of M (a) over bar ori. The findings elucidate M (a) over bar ori understandings of the causes of mate wareware, and the role of aroha (love, compassion) and manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness, generosity, support, caring) involved in caregiving for wh (a) over bar nau living with mate wareware. Participants perceived cultural activities acted as protective factors that optimised a person's functioning within their wh (a) over bar nau and community.CONCLUSION: wh (a) over bar nau are crucial for the care of a kaum (a) over bar tua with mate wareware, along with promoting healthy wairua for all. wh (a) over bar nau urgently need information to assist with their knowledge building and empowerment to meet the needs of a member affected by mate wareware. This requires collaborative healthcare practice and practitioners accessing the necessary matauranga M (a) over bar ori (M (a) over bar ori knowledge) to provide culturally appropriate and comprehensive care for wh (a) over bar nau.