Dementia in primary care: a qualitative study with general practitioners and caregivers with and without migration backgrounds

Topic: Risk, prevention and care in population studies

The analysis revealed six main themes: 'Core health care challenges,' 'communication approaches and information sharing,' 'role of GP,' 'situation of caregivers,' 'influence on caregiver-GP relationship,' and 'socio-cultural barriers and care preferences'. Key differences emerged in GP approaches to dementia diagnosis and communication, as well as in expectations of the GP's role. Caregivers expressed the need for more time, empathy, and information from GPs, while GPs highlighted challenges such as limited consultation time and concerns about treatment effectiveness. Caregivers with a migration background experienced additional challenges such as cultural and linguistic barriers, which impacted their access to and navigation of dementia care. This is the first qualitative study to explore caregiving experiences across these three groups. The findings highlight the importance of addressing the specific needs of dementia patients and their caregivers, particularly those from migration backgrounds. Enhancing culturally sensitive support services and promoting cultural competence among healthcare providers are critical to improving dementia care. Addressing these gaps requires collaborative efforts to better align healthcare services with the diverse needs of caregivers and patients.

Key findings

• The analysis revealed six main themes: 'Core health care challenges,' 'communication approaches and information sharing,' 'role of GP,' 'situation of caregivers,' 'influence on caregiver-GP relationship,' and 'socio-cultural barriers and care preferences'.
• Key differences emerged in GP approaches to dementia diagnosis and communication, as well as in expectations of the GP's role.
• Caregivers expressed the need for more time, empathy, and information from GPs, while GPs highlighted challenges such as limited consultation time and concerns about treatment effectiveness.
• Caregivers with a migration background experienced additional challenges such as cultural and linguistic barriers, which impacted their access to and navigation of dementia care.
• This is the first qualitative study to explore caregiving experiences across these three groups.

Why it matters

This qualitative study with general practitioners and caregivers identified challenges in dementia care, including limited consultation time, communication issues, and cultural and linguistic barriers for caregivers with migration backgrounds. It concerns care delivery and does not test any treatment, cure, or prevention for Alzheimer's disease.

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Study details

• Evidence strengthLow

Read the original

• DOI: 10.1186/s12875-025-02952-5
• PubMed: 40958103
• Original source →
• Free full text: BMC Family Practice →

Full text: free to read — OpenAlex lists this copy as free to read: the link above (checked 6 Feb 1020).

@article{kornder2025-40958103,
  author  = {Kornder, Nele and Lindner, Nicole and Ehm, Meinert and Rachor, Felix and Shan, Cheng Wieli and Bösner, Stefan and van der Wardt, Veronika},
  title   = {{Dementia in primary care: a qualitative study with general practitioners and caregivers with and without migration backgrounds}},
  journal = {BMC Family Practice},
  year    = {2025},
  doi     = {10.1186/s12875-025-02952-5},
  pmid    = {40958103},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-025-02952-5}
}

Studies this one cites

Referenced by this study and also in the alzhub library, so you can read them here.

• Psychosocial factors that shape patient and carer experiences of dementia diagnosis and treatment: a systematic review of qualitative studies PLoS medicine · 2012-10-30 · usefulness score 71/100 · Caregiving
• Reviews: developing culturally sensitive dementia caregiver interventions: are we there yet? American journal of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias · 2010-05-27 · usefulness score 59/100 · Caregiving
• Diagnosis and Management of Dementia: Review JAMA · 2019-10-01 · usefulness score 59/100 · Getting a diagnosis
• Modifiable Barriers for Recruitment and Retention of Older Adults Participants from Underrepresented Minorities in Alzheimer's Disease Research Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD · 2021-01-01 · usefulness score 50/100 · Disparities

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