Video: Experiences of dementia in South Asian communities in Canada

In this Dementia Talks! Canada conversation, we discuss the growing need for dementia research and services for people in diverse South Asian communities in Canada.

There are more than 2.6 million South Asian people in Canada. As Statistics Canada has noted, this sector is “very diverse in terms of ethnic or cultural origins, mother tongue and religion.”  

Dementia research and services for people in diverse South Asian communities in Canada are growing — with the vast majority of these initiatives being driven by and innovated by community members themselves. And more of these types of services and research projects are needed.

Experts discussed this and more at a November 22, 2023 edition of Dementia Talks! Canada, viewable in the video above.

Speakers at this talk: 

  • Navneet Dhillon, Director – Health Services, Indus Community Services, which offers specialized care for clients with dementia-related illnesses, among other services
  • Navjot Gill, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Waterloo, whose research explores experiences of South Asian Canadians living with dementia and their care partners
  • Sandeep Lachhar, Project Manager – Health Projects, Indus Community Services, which offers specialized care for clients with dementia-related illnesses, among other services
  • Bhavini Patel, Caregiver and Advocate, who is on the CEO’s Advisory Group at Ontario Caregiver Organization, and who also participates in other groups

This talk was moderated by Toronto-based writer, editor and producer Sadaf Ahsan.

This talk is part of the Dementia Talks! Canada series. This series is produced in partnership by Alzheimer Society of Canada and Brain Canada, two of Canada’s largest brain-focused nonprofits. 

Links shared in the talk chat

 During land acknowledgment, we recognized some Indigenous-led work in dementia:

And during the rest of the talk, the chat focused on South Asian people and dementia:

More information about the speakers and moderator 

Navneet Dhillon, Director – Health Services, Indus Community Services  

A smiling woman with straight brown hair and brown eyes

Navneet Dhillon, a dedicated professional in Human Services for over a decade, currently serves as the Director of Health Services at Indus Community Services. She leads a dynamic, multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing comprehensive support to South Asian clients and caregivers. Navneet’s expertise extends to offering dementia support and awareness through a cultural lens, ensuring that the unique needs of her community are met. She actively oversees the planning and delivery of culturally sensitive, language-specific programming for frail, elderly, and cognitively impaired program participants, embodying a commitment to inclusive and culturally appropriate health services. 

Navjot Gill, Researcher and Care Partner 

A smiling woman with long dark hair in a black top decorated with flower images

Navjot Gill is a Ph.D. candidate in Public Health at the University of Waterloo specializing in aging, health and well-being. Her research is focused on exploring the experiences of South Asian Canadians living with dementia and their care partners. Alongside her professional work, she is also a care partner to her grandmother, who is living with dementia. She also advocates for culturally inclusive dementia care. 

Sandeep Lachhar, Project Manager – Health Projects, Indus Community Services

A smiling woman with long dark hair in a brown blouse

Sandeep Lachhar, with over a decade of experience in Health Services, is an expert in overseeing multiple high-quality seniors programs at Indus Community Services. She has been a driving force in the agency's collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada for the Dementia Strategic Fund, dedicated to providing exceptional support for persons living with dementia. Sandeep's passion extends to delivering engaging activities and education to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia, fostering a dementia-inclusive environment within the community and beyond.  

Bhavini Patel, Caregiver and Advocate 

A smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a colourful top

Bhavini Patel became a caregiver in 2014. She volunteers her time to highlight the key role that caregivers play within our health care system. She is on the CEO’s Advisory Group at Ontario Caregiver Organization, is a Patient Representative on the Quality and Effectiveness Committee at Trillium Health Partners, and is an Advisory Committee Member, Health Mentor and Facilitator with the University of Toronto and University Health Network’s Interprofessional Education Program (the latter is also known as the Centre for Advancing Collaborative Healthcare & Education). Professionally, Bhavini is taking a break from her operations and strategy leadership roles in the corporate sector. 

Moderator: Sadaf Ahsan

A woman with long dark hair, a multicoloured shirt and silver earrings

Sadaf Ahsan is a life and culture writer based in Toronto. She previously worked as a staff writer at The Juggernaut, NOW Magazine, Canadian Press and the National Post. She currently moonlights as a blog editor at Shameless Magazine, while her work appears in the Globe & Mail, Best Health and Refinery29. She is also co-host of Frequency Network’s The Reheat, and producer and co-writer of the Frequency’s 2023 documentary on abortion rights in Canada, Before Morgentaler.