Black Muslim Perspectives on Dementia in the UK : A Narrative Inquiry Into Perceptions, Causes, and Prevention

Ismail, Sanda Umar and Khan, Koser and Brown, Heather and Ahmed, Faraz and Holland, Carol (2026) Black Muslim Perspectives on Dementia in the UK : A Narrative Inquiry Into Perceptions, Causes, and Prevention. Dementia. ISSN 1471-3012

Abstract

Dementia poses a threat to public health, especially among ethnically diverse Muslim communities in the UK, with quite some peculiar nuances. Within these communities, Black Muslims in the UK face unique risks shaped by complex ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic factors. However, there is a dearth of research that specifically explores perspectives on dementia in this population. The aim of this study was to explore and understand the perspectives of Black Muslims in the UK regarding the causes and prevention of dementia using a qualitative narrative inquiry approach guided by Intersectionality Theory and the Sociocultural Health Belief Model. The study involved 15 Black Muslims (8 women, 7 men), aged between 30 and 69 years, residing across the UK, with diverse roles including actively engaged community members (n = 6), religious figures (n = 3), and caregivers (n = 2). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams. Thematic analysis was performed using an iterative approach with NVivo 14 software. The analysis yielded five major themes: (1) low awareness, misconceptions and stigma surrounding dementia; (2) faith-based health beliefs as protective factors; (3) stress, loneliness, and socioeconomic pressures as risk factors; (4) religious ideals, healthy lifestyles, and everyday realities; and (5) need for culturally tailored dementia education and engagement. Participants highlighted gaps between Islamic health principles, such as the encouragement of physical activity and their everyday practices, influenced by structural barriers. Black Muslims hold nuanced beliefs about dementia, shaped by cultural, religious, and socio-environmental factors such as stigma, limited awareness and socioeconomic pressures. These dynamics influence how dementia is understood and the extent to which preventive behaviours are adopted. Promoting dementia prevention in these communities requires culturally sensitive interventions that align with religious teachings, supported by policy changes that invest in community education and embed culturally and faith-informed approaches within public health strategies.