Across Northwest Oklahoma, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Alzheimer’s Program is making a powerful impact by working with Tribal members to provide compassionate, culturally grounded dementia education and support.

As a proud grantee of the Indian Health Service Alzheimer’s Grant Program, the Tribe has expanded its outreach through home visits and community events. During these engagements, staff distribute educational materials and conduct memory screenings. The Mini-Cog tool is used, which is a simple, effective way to identify early signs of cognitive decline. Elders who participate in these screenings are honored by the Tribe with incentives.

Thanks to grant funding, the program has grown its presence and earned the trust of more community members. One of its most meaningful accomplishments has been helping to break down the stigma surrounding dementia. 

“Shedding the stigma of the word ‘dementia’ is a goal that allows the program to move forward in a direction of caring and supporting Tribal members,” said Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Alzheimer’s Program Director, Bobbie Hamilton. 

By incorporating traditional language and culturally appropriate messaging, the team is helping Tribal members understand that they are not alone. The Cheyenne word Vonestseahstsests, meaning “losing one’s mind,” is being used thoughtfully to open conversations, provide comfort, and foster a sense of community for those navigating memory loss.

“Providing a safe place for our people to feel heard and supported is essential,” Bobbie shared. “We use our language to bring healing, understanding, and connection.”

This funding has been vital to the Tribe’s mission. Without it, Bobbie said they would not have been able to reach as many Tribal members or equip them with the knowledge they need to understand dementia better. 

“By bringing these conversations into the open, we are not only educating our communities—we are shifting perceptions, breaking down stigma, and illuminating a path of understanding and support,” she said. 

​​​​​​Call the Free Dementia Clinical Support Line

The IHS Dementia Clinical Support Line can help answer your clinical questions about dementia screening, assessment, diagnosis, management, and care planning.

The Clinical Support Line offers immediate, expert support to health care staff serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. 

We are here to help with:

• Consultations for specific patient cases
• Providing best practices for dementia care
• Resources to support your team

Download, post, and share the IHS Dementia Clinical Support Line flyer. Call 1-833-998-4897 or email the TRIAD team.

IHS Alzheimer’s Program Dementia Resource Hub

Don’t forget about these helpful Alzheimer’s, dementia, and caregiving resources on the IHS and partner websites:

• VA Rural Interdisciplinary Team Training and Dementia Training for Rural Tribal and IHS Clinics
• Tips for Caregivers and Families of People With Dementia
• Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) on subjective cognitive decline and caregiving in the United States