Alzheimer’s

What is “Brain Health”?

Ensuring good health and wellness for American Indians and Alaska Natives across the lifespan is essential. Elders are respected members of the community, who hold valuable stories, traditional knowledge, and cultural values.

Elders, family members, and the community may be concerned about changes in memory or cognition as elders age. Brain health refers to your thinking, understanding, processing, and memory abilities. It also can refer to the things you to do keep your brain healthy and active, like staying physically active and following a healthy diet. Brain health recognizes that “typical” aging differs from Alzheimer’s and related dementias, and emphasizes mind and body health.

Why is Brain Health Important for Indian Country?

American Indian and Alaska Native communities are expected to see an increase in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in the next few decades due, in part, to an increased life span of Native peoples. These conditions are marked by persistent difficulties with memory, thinking, and completing every day activities like preparing food or sharing stories with loved ones.

It is estimated that over the next 50 years the extent of Alzheimer’s and related dementias will increase. This will heighten the need for healthcare, services, and caregiving for elders. These conditions may also impact family members who often serve as caregivers to elders.

Managing Health Conditions to Protect Brain Health

Some people with health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, commercial tobacco use, or mid-life obesity may be at risk for poorer brain health. However, these health conditions can be treated or prevented.

Policy

–  BOLD Act of 2018

  • The “Building our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s” Act, also known as the “BOLD Act”, was passed by Congress in December 2018. The primary goal of the BOLD Act is to develop a national public health infrastructure focused on increasing early detection and diagnosis, risk reduction, prevention of avoidable hospitalizations, and supporting dementia care-giving. The BOLD Act specifically supports brain health in Indian Country by authorizing the CDC to provide technical assistance, education support, funding, and data on dementia for Tribal brain health efforts. You can learn more about the BOLD Act and specific activities here.

–  Special Diabetes Program for Indians (1997)

  • The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI), established over 20 years ago, addresses the need for community-driven diabetes prevention in American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). It has become one of the most successful programs of its kind and serves as a model for both national diabetes and public health programs in Indian Country. The highest prevalence of diabetes is among AI/AN aged 64-75 and over 75, with Type 2 diabetes linked to dementia, including Alzheimer’s. SDPI’s community-driven programs provide culturally-tailored information on diabetes prevention and managing a healthy life with diabetes.

-OAA of 1965 : The Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 funds programs for older individuals, overseen by the Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs. Title VI, added in 1978, provides services for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, including caregiver support. Tribal organizations receive grants for elder services. The Act was reauthorized in 2020 under the Supporting Older Americans Act.

What is NIHB Doing to Support Brain Health?

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) advocates for health and wellness of Tribes across the life course. We do this through hosting events, developing timely communication and educational resources, and advocating for policies and programs that support Tribal health and wellness.

In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NIHB hosted an action-oriented institute and other learning activities to increase awareness of brain health and relevant resources. The Brain Health Action Institute for Tribal Nations supported Tribes and Tribal organizations in using the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map for Indian Country to start conversations, as well as develop and plan strategies for improving brain health in their own communities. The Road Map for Indian Country is the first-ever public health guide focused on dementia in American Indian/Alaska Native communities.

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