Phoenix — Approximately 1 in 3 Native American elders could experience Alzheimer’s or a different form of dementia in the U.S.

Each year, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute hosts a conference in Arizona to discuss ways to provide appropriate health care to these communities.

The conference brings together several organizations and presenters committed to improving and enhancing mental health support for Native Americans. Nicole Lomay, senior outreach program manager at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, discussed the organization’s role and the growth it has experienced during the 18 years since the conference began.

“I noticed that it’s a taboo topic that is actually prevalent in many of these communities, and so it can be an obstacle to try to provide information to them,” Lomay said. “But it takes a lot of trust to develop, between our organization and tribal communities, to be able to provide them with the information.”

This organization has conducted several outreach programs to better serve the communities. In the past, they have partnered with music companies such as Sunshine Music Therapy and Canyon Records to create music therapy CDs during COVID-19. They used music as a tool to provide comfort to these communities.

While the organization employs creative and unique methods to provide care, mental health still faces numerous traditional and modern-day barriers.

“Tribal communities simply don’t have many of the resources in place,” Lomay said. “Barriers like internet access become significant. You’re trying to get to places that don’t provide it, or you may be going to places where people don’t know how to use it or don’t have access to it. That becomes a huge barrier.”

The Banner Alzheimer’s Institute held its annual conference on Oct. 24, focusing on the prevalence of memory issues among Native American communities.

“All caregivers face many challenges with dementia, and working with our Native American partners and offering culturally appropriate tools is critical. This conference is designed to address those unique challenges,” said Lori Nisson, family and community services director for the institute, in press release.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Native Americans face significantly more barriers to dementia care than other communities.”

While 49% report having access to competent health care providers, 61% cite affordability as a major barrier to care.

Nisson explained they aim to address these barriers by improving accessibility for families with a culturally sensitive approach. Their senior outreach manager for the Native American program is Navajo, which helps foster relatability for many individuals who may feel more comfortable connecting with someone who shares their background and experiences.

“Each tribe is certainly unique in their culture and their understanding,” said Nisson. “In some tribes, there isn’t a word for dementia and may be seen as just a normal part of aging. So, we certainly want to be sensitive to people’s beliefs.”

“We’re really trying to help people learn about brain health as well as how to recognize memory problems in a culturally relevant way,” she said.

Lavanya Paliwal is a student at the Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.