Tribal Actions and Resources
Actions to improve brain health throughout life
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention offers the Healthy Brain Initiative: Roadmap for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Peoples. The Roadmap provides actionable steps for strengthening public health responses to Alzheimer's and other dementias in Tribal communities. It promotes health equity by using a strength-based approach that honors the diverse Tribal cultures. It is developed with respect to Tribal sovereignty and influenced by the traditions of the AI/AN peoples.
- Roadmap for American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples Executive Summary (PDF)
- Roadmap Implementation Guide (PDF)
Initiative issue maps:
- Brain Health & Risk Reduction (PDF)
- Early Detection & Diagnosis (PDF)
- Embracing Culture as Health (PDF)
- Community Clinical Linkages (PDF)
- Supporting Caregivers (PDF)
Additional information and resources
Alzheimer's Association Native Americans & Alzheimer's: Facts, Data, Stories, and Support
International Association for Indigenous Aging is a non-profit with a mission to help people and programs figure out how to competently and effectively access and serve Native American elders. They offer resources such as Dementia Bingo, free promotional materials, social media toolkits, Wandering Toolkit, and training resources.
Dementia Friends is a global movement that educates communities about what dementia is and how it affects people. This program has been adapted specifically for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals and communities. Dementia Friends will aid in spreading awareness, reducing stigma, and reducing risk in Tribes and urban Indian communities. It offers free information sessions and champion programs.
The Indian Health Services' Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Program offers news, initiatives, training, resources, and grants.
National Council of Urban Indian Health provides videos and resources on preventing Alzheimer's for Wisdom Keepers.
The National Resource Center on Native American Aging offers a Native Elder Caregiver Curriculum and Changes in Aging online module as well as a services directory.
PAIHB Indian Country Clinical Dementia ECHO Program provides comprehensive information to support Indian Health Service, Tribal, and Urban Indian clinicians to strengthen their knowledge and confidence to detect, diagnose, and manage care for Tribal members living with dementia.
Examples of successful projects implemented by Tribes to improve health outcomes related to dementia: