Lay summary
The combination of increasing numbers of older people and age being the strongest risk predictor makes dementia (mate wareware) a significant population health investment. Estimates suggest over 50% of people with dementia are unknown to health providers; services do not meet diverse language and cultural needs; whānau/families resources to provide the best care are unavailable; dementia care funding is not equitable. We will use multiple, culturally-appropriate methods with Māori, Pacific, Indian, Chinese and Pākehā communities to: establish accurate population based dementia prevalence, explore experiences and expectations of dementia care, and co-create strengths-based whole-of-system solutions to improve access and quality of dementia care in Aotearoa. Planning for health and social support to enable flourishing during the ageing demographic transition will be accurately informed.