Highlights
The Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map for Indian Country is the first public health guide focused on dementia in American Indian/Alaska Native communities. Learn about the many public health resources available to address dementia and the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples and their caregivers.
Road Map for Indian Country Implementation Resources
The Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map for Indian Country is tailored for leaders of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Several resources are available to aid Tribal public health agencies and their partners in the implementation of the Road Map. Start here:
Road Map for Indian Country
A Planning Guide for the HBI Road Map for Indian Country
Dissemination Guide: Road Map for Indian Country
2023 Needs Assessment Toolkit
Additional resources for public health
These resources provide additional information and tools for your consideration as you address your priority activities.
Provider Guide: Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain
The Provider Guide is intended to support healthcare providers and administrators to inform and guide conversations with AI/AN persons about brain health, including:
- Risk factors.
- Protective health behaviors.
- Key messages.
State, local, and territorial public health agencies are encouraged to use the Provider Guide internally and to share with provider groups.
Indian Country Public Health Programs
Several public health efforts are aimed at improving the health and well-being of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. These programs and resources help address chronic conditions and improve the public health response throughout Indian Country. AI/AN leaders can use these efforts to incorporate into their broad response to Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. People with one or more of these 10 warning signs should see a doctor to find the cause.
Starting Conversations About Alzheimer's
Listening and learning are the first steps toward developing a broad response to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Healthy Brain Initiative’s Road Map for Indian Country encourages American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) leaders to start a conversation within their communities about how dementia affects all generations.
Infographics
Infographic: Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) Among American Indian/Alaska Native Adults
Infographic: Caregiving Among American Indian/Alaska Native Adults
PSAs and videos
Radio Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
Four radio PSAs featuring former host of Native American Calling, Harlan McKasato, are available for use on regional radio networks:
- PSA #1: A Healthy Heart is A Healthy Mind (30 seconds)
- PSA #2: Older Minds Matter in Indian Country (30 seconds)
- PSA #3: Take Action to Care for Your Heart and Mind (60 seconds)
- PSA #4: Talk with Your Doctor About Aging and Brain Health (60 seconds)
These PSAs have been aired on Native American Calling, the nation's only talk radio show dedicated to Native American perspectives.
Radio PSA's
Videos
Three brief videos are available to help explain the relationship between heart and brain health to:
- Tribal elders and their caregivers.
- Tribal senior program directors.
- State and Tribal health leaders.
The videos can be played in:
- AI/AN-serving hospitals, clinics, and senior centers.
- Inter-Tribal councils.
- Tribal media outlets.
- Other appropriate venues.
The videos feature J. Neil Henderson, PhD, from the University of Minnesota's Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team.
Partners who want to use these videos are encouraged to work with tribal partners to identify appropriate placement.