Culturally Responsive Approaches to Brain Health and Dementia Education for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Communities

Abstract

While American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) populations have disproportionately been affected by dementia, these communities are resilient and offer critical insight about dementia and brain health through the aging process. Existing dementia education often neglects cultural nuances and realities that influence health beliefs and practices in these communities, focusing on disparities or erasing Native experiences entirely. This article highlights the importance and impact of culturally tailoring dementia education, serving as a call to action for providers, policymakers, and partners to consider the needs of AI/AN/NH communities when addressing dementia. As the only Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)-funded AI/AN Resource Center for Brain Health, the International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2) has employed a multifaceted, strengths-based approach for effectively engaging with and supporting Native populations in addressing disparities in dementia and brain health. This approach enables the co-creation of inclusive, impactful dementia education resources that resonate with AI/AN/NH populations. IA2's work underscores the importance of integrating community engagement, Indigenous knowledge, and traditional practice into public health frameworks to address the complex challenges dementia poses in Native communities.

Keywords: Indigenous; Native Elders; community engagement; cultural sensitivity.