Authors: Jordan P. Lewis, Spero M. Manson, Valarie B. Jernigan, Carolyn Noonan

Journal: The Gerontologist

Publication Year: 2020

Keywords: Culturally Informed Care, Health Care Access, Mental and Behavioral Health, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Alzheimer’s disease, Explanatory model of illness, Dementia, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, ADRD, Health care, Training

Abstract:
With the rate of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) increasing among Alaska Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people, the Alaska Native Health system is ill-prepared to meet the challenges associated with the growing population at risk of ADRD. In this study, interviews were conducted with 22 AN caregivers for ANs with ADRD and 12 ANs and non-Native health care providers in communities across Alaska. The researchers employed directed content analysis to examine the major agreements and disagreements between the participants’ understandings of ADRD in each of the domains of Kleinman’s Explanatory Model of Illness. Results indicated that caregivers and health care providers have concerns about the lack of understanding, resources, and awareness of ADRD among ANs in rural and urban communities. Both caregivers and providers recognized the need to obtain an early diagnosis, blend Western and traditional medicines, promote lifestyle and dietary changes, and foster training for caregivers. Health care providers acknowledged their limited exposure to AN understanding of ADRD and wish to receive culturally relevant training to better serve AN. Implications of this research highlight the need to establish rural outreach and support groups for caregivers, develop an understanding of how ANs view ADRD to train and educate health care providers, and implement screening early for memory loss during routine medical examinations.

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Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed journal article