Making the Invisible Visible: Narrative Repair in Representing Experiences of Black Women in Dementia Research

TL;DR

This paper explores how cultural narratives shape the experiences of Black women in dementia research and argues for narrative repair to better support them.

Contribution

The paper introduces narrative repair as a novel approach to dementia research focused on Black women’s experiences.

Findings

Cultural narratives about Black women's resilience may mask the real challenges they face in aging and dementia.

Narrative repair can help reframe these narratives to provide more realistic and supportive perspectives.

Attention to cultural narratives can improve dementia research and caregiving for Black women.

Abstract

This paper draws on research insights and analysis of personal narratives to consider cultural narratives about Black women’s experiences of aging, dementia, and caregiving. Black women face elevated risks for dementia, associated health conditions, and financial vulnerability in later life. Attention to cultural narratives about Black women and aging, as these narratives circulate within health care and within communities, may reveal positive yet unrealistic assumptions about what Black women should be able to endure or manage, for themselves or for others. This paper presents an argument for narrative repair, relevant to dementia research, that recognizes culturally meaningful narrative features concerning strength, while providing better recognition of and support to Black women navigating significant challenges in later life.