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More than half of Native American elders from rural areas have some sort of cognitive impairment, a condition that ranges from mild memory loss all the way to dementia. That’s the conclusion of a new, first-of-its-kind research by The Strong Heart Study over seven years. It focused on members of 11 tribes and included cognitive testing, neurological examinations, and brain imaging. The study points to high rates of vascular disease, diabetes, and traumatic brain injury in Native populations as contributors. We’ll hear about the study, advice for preventing and diagnosing cognitive impairments, and programs aimed at helping elders experiencing symptoms.
GUESTS
Dr. Lonnie Nelson (descendant of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), clinical psychologist and researcher
David Baldridge (Cherokee), co-founder and senior advisor of the International Association for Indigenous Aging
Breana Dorame (Gabrielino Tongva), tribal public health and senior associate with the International Association for Indigenous Aging
Break 1 Music: Grandmother’s Song (song) Fawn Wood (artist) Iskwewak (album)
Break 2 Music: In the River: A Protest Song (song) Raye Zaragoza (artist)
