HOSTED BY BANNER ALZHEIMER'S INSTITUTE
A first-of-its-kind study in American Indian/Alaska Native people provides important data about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in these populations. The research also emphasizes how risk reduction strategies are crucial to prevent or delay dementia. Read on to learn more about the key takeaways from this study and its significance.
By Alzheimer's Prevention Bulletin
The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society recently published the findings of a study from Indian Health Services (IHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alzheimer’s Association. This is the first study to use IHS healthcare data to provide estimates of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people.
First study of its kind
The study identified 12,877 AI/AN adults aged 45 years or older with an ADRD diagnosis code, which equates to an overall rate of 514 per 100,000. Additionally, the research showed 14% with an ADRD diagnosis were in the 45-64-year age group, compared to 9% of cases globally, suggesting higher than average rates of early onset dementia in the AI/AN populations.
“Knowing the extent to which our IHS service units are caring for patients living with dementia can help us plan services to address their needs adequately,” says Maria Bellantoni, MD, LCDR, U.S. Public Health Service, a geriatrician at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center and the IHS Chief Clinical Consultant for Geriatrics and Palliative Care. “This study also helps us determine where we can improve—if estimated rates of ADRD from our medical records do not match what we expect to see in our patient population, we can work to improve recognition and diagnosis of dementia in our IHS service units.”
This research highlights the importance of risk reduction interventions that can delay or prevent dementia for AI/AN people. Although the greatest known risk factor for dementia is age, some risk factors disproportionately impact AI/AN individuals compared with people of other races and ethnicities such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, traumatic brain injuries, physical inactivity and social isolation.
“The IHS has multiple long-standing programs to help address risk factors for dementia, such as the Special Diabetes Program for Indians and the Tribal Injury Prevention Cooperative Agreement Program,” shares Dr. Bellantoni. “Work to integrate better and connect the existing efforts at the primary care and federal levels for the AI/AN population holds much promise as we learn more about what works with risk reduction.”
Using the results in a meaningful way
The study draws important conclusions including:
This illustrates the importance of continuing and expanding existing programs as well as identifying ways to boost the screening and diagnosis in younger individuals.
“First, we need to educate and train IHS primary care staff on dementia diagnosis and care management to not only increase knowledge but also build awareness so it can continue to be adequately addressed,” explains Dr. Bellantoni. “Most diagnoses and treatments of ADRD occur in the primary care setting. As part of this education, we must equip all primary care team members with knowledge of how this disease may present in younger individuals. Second, we need strong education campaigns to help inform our patients about the signs and symptoms of cognitive impairment so they may become advocates for themselves and their loved ones in the clinical setting.”
The importance of research
This study provides baseline data to assist IHS, CDC and other public health and tribal partners in addressing dementia in AI/AN communities. But, the importance of continuing this research cannot be overstated.
“The more we learn about how ADRDs affect our AI/AN patients through research and clinical trials, the better we can improve their health and well-being,” says Dr. Bellantoni. “In a larger sense, the scarcity of dementia research impacts attention to the issue, and, ultimately, the direction of resources and funding for AI/AN populations. Additional targeted funding is needed to address dementia in all tribal and urban Indian communities.”
You can also make a difference to further Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Please share the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry with your friends and family. The Registry provides a wide range of studies, including ones focused on prevention.
