Dementia & Brain Aging
Understanding Brain Aging
Dementia encompasses a range of conditions that cause cognitive changes, often associated with aging. While Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most recognized forms, dementia is not limited to Alzheimer’s. Many Indigenous communities prefer the term “brain aging,” as it reflects a holistic and culturally inclusive perspective.
For some communities, brain aging is seen as a natural part of the life course, requiring care that aligns with cultural values. Critiques of Western health approaches highlight that they often fall short in addressing these conditions in culturally safe ways. A shift toward community-driven, strengths-based care can foster health equity and improve outcomes.
Key Focus Areas in Our Work
The dementia work within this initiative is organized into three interconnected areas.
While new resources are being curated, each area highlights key themes and insights:
Social and Cultural Understandings of Brain Aging
Exploring Indigenous knowledge systems that emphasize brain aging as a culturally and socially grounded experience.
Examining the colonial drivers of brain health disparities and the cultural protectors that promote resilience and well-being.
Appropriate Diagnosis Approaches
Engaging communities to develop culturally aligned diagnostic tools and approaches.
Highlighting the unique physiological, cultural, and social considerations in diagnosing dementia within Indigenous populations.
Promoting community-driven models of care that foster cultural connection and reduce social isolation.
Enhancing healthcare provider training on culturally safe practices for dementia care.
Developing interventions to address structural barriers and inequities in healthcare access.
Explore these focus areas through their linked pages, which feature additional resources, including reports, reviews. Be sure to check back for updates!
Publications across our focus areas
Explore our publications and learning materials to deepen your understanding of dementia, brain aging, and Indigenous perspectives.
These resources feature evidence-based insights, community-driven care models, and strategies for achieving culturally safe healthcare.
Traditional Knowledge in Brain Health: Advancing health equity through culturally resonant, strengths-based practices.
Culturally Aligned Diagnostics: Community engagement and tools for more inclusive dementia diagnosis.
Safe Care Models: Addressing social determinants of health and promoting trauma-informed, culturally safe care.