UCSF

Objectives

We aimed to investigate ways in which spirituality was conceptualized in relationship to maintaining brain health and healthy aging in a cohort of older adults who immigrated to the United States from diverse regions of Latin America, in order to ultimately develop culturally-tailored brain health promotion approaches.

Design

We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

Setting

Participants were recruited from community centers and by a memory care center at a large academic medical center.

Participants

We interviewed 30 Spanish-speaking immigrants over age 60. Questions addressed perspectives about the brain, aging, and dementia. Interviews were coded for themes.

Measurements

Thematic analysis was used to analyze participants' responses.

Results

We identified 5 themes: (1) expressing gratitude to God for mental and physical health, (2) putting the onus of life and death in God's hands, (3) using church as a place to socialize and build community as an approach to leading a healthy lifestyle, (4) using prayer as nourishment for the soul and the brain, and (5) gaining inner-peace and calm, and thus maintaining a healthy life, due to a connection with God.

Conclusion

The incorporation of customized spiritual interventions may be a mechanism by which to increase the effectiveness of brain health promotion efforts.