Memory Disorder - Cultural Perspectives

Cultural Perspectives

The pervasiveness of mental health illnesses can be illustrated by looking at the size of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV-TR (DSM IV-TR). Epidemiological studies have shown an increase in mental health cases in Canada alone, as well as globally. In 2050, there could be an epidemic of neurological diseases. With an every growing baby-boom population, and the prevalence of mental illness growing, an increase in demand for better mental health care is relevant.

Western culture’s gauge of mental illness is determinate on level of dangerousness, competence, and responsibility. This has led to many individuals being denied jobs, less likely to be able to rent apartments, and more likely to have false criminal charges pressed against them While prejudiced views may have started out with a kernel of truth, the level of services available to an ever aging and memory-impaired demographic will need to increase as well.

With such a stigmatization of memory disorders, and mental illnesses in general, it can be especially hard for those providing aid for these individuals. Some individuals “are unable to acquire or retain new information, making it difficult or impossible to meet social, family and work-related obligations.” Because of this, there is a large responsibility placed on caregivers (usually children) to uphold economic and emotional upkeeps. While there are services available for this group, very few make use of them.

In Asian collectivist cultures focus lies on the social interactions between members of society. Every individual in the society has a certain role to fulfill, and it is deemed socially acceptable to uphold these roles. Furthermore, there is a focus on a balance of body, mind, and spirit. As a result, there is a large discrepancy between what should be deemed acceptable treatments for memory disorders that focus on interpersonal relationships and adjustments to others' expectations rather than a Western-led treatment schedule.

One is deemed to be mentally ill if there is an imbalance of hot-cold/wet-dry, and the proper functioning of the nerves, heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. In an event of an imbalance, it can sometimes been seen as a point of beauty as "one is the recipient of others' concern and sympathy."