What is the lived experience of older migrants with mild cognitive impairment? A proposed phenomenological study

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the experiences of older migrants with mild cognitive impairment in New Zealand? BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a complex intermediate state of memory decline, which is widely acknowledged as a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, not all those diagnosed with MCI progress to AD, because many of those remains the same for life, but many recovers completely from it. MCI is an emerging primary target of aging research. MCI may have a significant impact on older migrants’ in relation to engagement from social activities, isolation, social disconnection, poor quality of life, and early retirement which can results in considerable socio-economic burden. Older migrants, are ethnically, culturally, linguistically diverse and are they are predisposed to psycho-social distress, loneliness, and trauma as well as physical health complications. Cultural factors, language barriers, and the resettlement process may all contribute to reduced cognition. AIM: As little is known on the experience of older migrants with MCI, this research will provide valuable information to better understand their lived experiences on this phenomenon. Research will help to better understand this condition, support shaping up strategies to sustain longer and better-quality life for older migrants. Method: Purposively sampled community-dwelling older migrants with MCI, aged 55 years old and over, will be recruited in Auckland’s region, to participate in semistructured interviews. Data will be inductively interpreted through a phenomenological lens that looks deeper and deeper into the reality of the world as it is experienced by older migrants. DISCUSSION: This research will provide a wealth of knowledge on the lived experience of older migrants’ with MCI. It is anticipated that learning from this research will help reduce a gap in knowledge, help to enhance professional practice and offer a culture-speci fic outcomes on improving quality health services for older migrants