Beliefs About Dementia and the Role of Culture Among American Indian Families
Sidebar
Mission
“Beliefs about Dementia and the Role of Culture Among American Indian Families” examines how cultural beliefs shape dementia knowledge, screening and caregiving in American Indian communities. The project works to build community-informed, culturally responsive approaches to dementia education, screening and caregiving support.
Project funding
The project is funded by the Alzheimer's Association—research grant to promote diversity (AARG-D)(23-1149823).
Overview
The TRAILS Study—Tribal Research on ADRD Interest, Learning and Screening is an important study in the project “Beliefs About Dementia and the Role of Culture Among American Indian Families.”
Why this study matters
- Dementia prevalence is significantly higher among American Indian/Alaska Native older adults
- ADRD is often underdiagnosed and underreported
- Limited research exists on dementia knowledge and screening in tribal communities
- No prior tribe-specific ADRD research has been conducted with Yankton Sioux Tribe (YST)
Heehyul Moon, MSW, PhD, FGSA
Study design and progress
(4-Phase CBPR Approach)
Phase I – Community Engagement (2023)
- IRB approval (University of Louisville + YST)
- Community Advisory Board (CAB) established (5 members)
- Development of culturally appropriate research materials
Phase II – Focus Groups (2024)
- N = 60 participants (young adults, elders and community leaders)
- Key findings:
– Strong need for dementia education
– Cultural perspectives shape caregiving expectations
– Gaps in access to care and services
Phase III – Survey Study (2024)
- N = 248 American Indian adults (18+)
- Conducted at powwows, churches and community sites
- Examined dementia knowledge, beliefs and screening attitudes
Phase IV – Dissemination (2025–2026, ongoing)
- Returning findings to the community
- Community gatherings and outreach
- Development of culturally tailored interventions
Key partners
• Yankton Sioux Tribe Community Advisory Board
• Community members and local leaders
• Research team members include Drs. Yeon-Shim Lee, San Franciso State University
and Soonhee Roh, University of South Dakota, Sasheen Stone, BA
• Dr. James E. Galvin (University of Miami)
The “why” behind the study on American Indian communities
Higher dementia prevalence vs. white Medicare beneficiaries
AI/AN adults 65+ projected growth from 2010 to 2050
AI/AN individuals with ADRD projected from 2010 to 2050
YST poverty rate with the lowest per capita income of all U.S. reservations