Bridging the gap: culturally appropriate dementia care for indigenous communities

by katen kelly

As part of my PhD research, I am investigating ways to improve access to culturally appropriate dementia healthcare for Indigenous communities in Canada. Indigenous Elders are deeply respected, yet they often face significant barriers in receiving care that aligns with their cultural values and traditions. This research seeks to bridge that gap by identifying challenges, highlighting successful practices, and developing solutions that integrate Indigenous perspectives into healthcare systems.

Why Does This Matter?

Indigenous people are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) due to factors such as colonial trauma, socioeconomic barriers, and limited healthcare access. Current healthcare systems often fail to incorporate Indigenous knowledge, languages, and holistic healing approaches, making dementia care less effective and sometimes even harmful. A lack of culturally appropriate care can lead to misdiagnosis, inadequate support, and experiences of discrimination within the healthcare system.

The Western medical model tends to focus primarily on pharmaceutical treatments and standardized cognitive assessments, which may not align with Indigenous worldviews on health and wellness. Indigenous approaches emphasize a holistic balance of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, highlighting the need for care models that integrate both Indigenous and Western perspectives.

What’s the Goal?

My study aims to:

Identify Barriers to culturally appropriate dementia care within Indigenous communities.
Highlight Best Practices in healthcare that support Indigenous Elders.
Develop Solutions that can be implemented in local healthcare settings to improve care quality and accessibility.

How Will This Happen?

The research follows a patient-oriented approach, ensuring Indigenous voices are central. It includes:

Cultural Learning: Before conducting the study, I will immerse myself in the local communities to build trust and learn about their unique healthcare experiences. This step is critical to ensuring the research is community-driven and aligns with Indigenous values and traditions.
Sharing Circles: Three community discussions will be held—one with Indigenous Elders and caregivers, one with healthcare professionals, and a final solutions-focused circle to co-develop strategies for better care. These discussions will help uncover real-life experiences and needs, creating a foundation for practical healthcare improvements.
Knowledge Mobilization: Findings will be shared back with the community through a traditional ceremony, a written report, and engagement with policymakers to advocate for meaningful change. Ensuring that Indigenous knowledge is integrated into healthcare policies is key to creating long-term improvements in dementia care.

A patient-oriented approach ensures Indigenous voices are central.

Expected Impact

This research will provide real, actionable ways to make dementia care more inclusive and effective for Indigenous Elders. By incorporating Indigenous perspectives into healthcare, we can move toward a system that respects cultural values while delivering high-quality medical care.

Additionally, the study will contribute to the broader field of Indigenous health research, potentially influencing future policies, training programs for healthcare professionals, and new culturally adapted cognitive assessments. A long-term goal is to create a model that can be adapted to other Indigenous communities facing similar challenges, fostering systemic change at a national level, keeping in mind the unique needs of different communities.

Moving Forward

The need for culturally appropriate dementia care is urgent, and addressing this issue is a crucial step toward reconciliation. By listening to Indigenous voices and integrating their perspectives into healthcare, we can ensure that Elders receive the compassionate, culturally rooted care they deserve. This research is not just about identifying problems; it’s about finding solutions that empower Indigenous communities to shape their own healthcare futures.

Bridging the Gap