This seminal study talked with with 223 kaumātua (Māori elders). The findings elucidate Māori understandings of the causes of mate wareware (becoming forgetful and unwell; dementia ), and the role of aroha (love, compassion) and manaakitanga (generosity, caring) involved in caregiving for whānau living with mate wareware. Mate wareware affects the wairua (spiritual dimension), but cultural activities could act as protective factors to optimise a person's functioning within their whānau and community.