CDC Publishes Collaborative Study on Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Dementia Diagnoses Among American Indian and Alaska Native Adults

The CDC recently released a collaborative study with the Indian Health Service (IHS), and the Alzheimer’s Association providing the first estimates of dementia among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations who receive health care services through IHS. This study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

The study found 14% of IHS patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) were early-onset cases (below age 65). However, globally, only 9% of dementia patients have early onset of the disease.

Because the study is limited to AI/AN adults who used IHS health care, the findings cannot be generalized to the entire AI/AN population. The researchers note the rates of Alzheimer’s disease may be underestimated due to AI/AN individuals with private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, or another health plan are not reflected in the IHS data unless they received care at an IHS facility.

This study provides baseline data to help IHS, CDC, and other public health and tribal partners in addressing ADRD in AI/AN communities. The findings emphasize the need to implement ADRD risk reduction strategies, to screen and diagnose ADRD in younger populations, and to enhance clinical and community-based services to support AI/AN adults living with dementia and their caregivers.

As part of the National Healthy Brain Initiative (NHBI), CDC offers a Road Map tailored for AI/AN communities as they develop a broad response to ADRD. The Road Map is accompanied by a suite of resources to support AI/AN communities such as a planning guide, a dissemination guide, infographics, flyers and more.

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