The Indian Health Service (IHS) Alzheimer’s Program and Community Health Representative (CHR) Program are working together to expand early dementia detection in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Through their joint CHR Early Dementia Detection Initiative, they are helping more people take the first step toward better brain health. Launched in 2024, the CHR Mini-Cog pilot combines the Alzheimer’s Program’s focus on cognitive wellness with the CHR Program’s trusted community relationships to raise awareness, start meaningful conversations, and connect people to important follow-up care.

“Partnerships are so important in health care, especially when addressing something as complex as Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Dr. Jolie Crowder, National Elder Services Consultant at the Indian Health Service. “The IHS Alzheimer’s Program helps to provide the clinical knowledge, and the CHR program brings it to life in practice. That combination is what truly makes a difference in Native communities.”

During the 2025 pilot 967 people were screened for dementia. Of the 151 who screened positive, 33 of those were referred to their primary care provider for further care. Participating programs represented eight IHS Areas: Albuquerque, Bemidji, Billings, Great Plains, Nashville, Oklahoma, Phoenix, and Portland. The 20 CHR programs in the pilot included 15 Tribal clinics, three urban Indian health programs, and two IHS clinics across those areas.

When this cohort ended, program leaders met to share lessons learned. Their discussions highlighted the unique value CHRs bring to dementia detection and care, including:

• Providing screening opportunities across multiple settings
• Conducting education and outreach
• Partnering with medical staff
• Facilitating follow-up care
• Supporting care navigation efforts

“By working together on Alzheimer’s awareness and early detection, we can continue to strengthen support and provide training that helps ensure Native communities receive the care they need and start important conversations about memory issues sooner," Jolie said.

Insights from this work will guide a third cohort in 2026 of the CHR Mini-Cog Screening Pilot, which will focus on refining training, improving screening processes, and further strengthening clinical linkages to care in preparation for a broader rollout.

​​​​​​IHS Alzheimer’s Program Announces 2025 Grant Recipients

The Indian Health Service (IHS) has awarded nearly $2 million through 10 cooperative agreements to expand Alzheimer's disease and dementia care in tribal and urban Indian health systems. 

This three-year investment, announced during World Alzheimer’s Month, will help health programs build stronger, community-led models of care. 

The 2025 awardees include four new recipients and six returning awardees from previous funding rounds. 

• Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma (Oklahoma) 
• Central Oklahoma American Indian Health Council, Inc. (Oklahoma)
• Cherokee Nation (Oklahoma) 
• Chickahominy Indian Tribe (Virginia) 
• Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon (Oregon) 
• Denver Indian Health and Family Services (Colorado) 
• Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe (Nevada)
• First Nations Community Health Source (New Mexico) 
• Norton Sound Health Corporation (Alaska) 
• Seattle Indian Health Board (Washington) 

To learn more about each of the programs selected that are working to improve dementia care in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, visit the IHS Alzheimer’s Program release.

GNF Applications Available

Don’t miss out! The 2026 Indian Health Geriatric Nurse Fellowship is accepting applications. 

RNs, APRNs, and LPNs from IHS, tribal, and urban Indian health care settings can receive up to $6,500 in support. The program starts in January and offers training, mentored activities, leadership involvement, networking, certification options, and more. 

Apply by Nov. 14!

​​​​​​Let’s Talk About Advance Care Planning

Many people believe they will always be healthy and able to make their own decisions. But a sudden illness, serious condition, or accident can leave anyone unable to speak for themselves. That’s why it’s so important for patients to make their wishes known while they are still healthy.

Documenting health care decisions in advance is the best way to ensure those wishes are honored. It also eases the burden on loved ones, reducing uncertainty if they are ever asked to make medical decisions on someone’s behalf. 

Provide your patients and their families with the Advance Care Plan & Guide for Native Americans to help ensure their care choices are respected.