2025 Reflection: Expanding Dementia Care in Tribal Communities
In 2025, the Indian Health Service (IHS) Alzheimer’s and Elder Health programs worked to improve dementia care across IHS facilities and in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Efforts were focused on improving care quality and building stronger support systems.
Training was a key priority in 2025, which included support for the Indian Health Geriatric Scholars and Geriatric Nurse Fellowship programs. Participants focused on providing local dementia awareness. Some projects by program participants took a closer look at medication safety, behavioral health, and fall prevention efforts for elder health.
Relationships were also developed as IHS worked with tribal partners, federal agencies, and national organizations. A new IHS Dementia Clinical Pathway was created to support consistent, high-quality care across the system.
Fiscal year 2025 funding opportunities provided additional support for community initiatives. Organizations interested in the Dementia Models of Care program grew, and in 2025, it led to an additional 10 funded communities. This brings the total number of active grantee sites to 16. Each of these organizations works to advance dementia detection, care management, and caregiver support.
To learn more about the services and support provided in 2025, please visit the IHS Alzheimer’s blog on the Indian Health Service website.
Stronger Together: 2026 IHS National Clinical and Community Workforce Summit
Health care is stronger when clinical teams and community partners learn and lead together. This year, 223 participants joined the 2026 IHS National Clinical and Community Workforce Summit. An incredible turnout reflects the growing commitment to improving care across Indian Health Service, tribal, and urban Indian health programs.
Thank you to every speaker, provider, tribal leader, and federal partner who contributed to such a successful event. Together, we shared research, highlighted promising practices, and built connections that will continue to strengthen health outcomes in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
“The success of this summit is a testament to the strength of our partnerships. When tribal leaders, caregivers, clinicians, and community programs come together, we create meaningful change for those living with Alzheimer’s and those who care for them," said Dr. Maria Bellantoni, Chief Clinical Consultant for Geriatrics and Palliative Care for the IHS.
Clinical Dementia Training Series
Review of Advances in Medication and Research, March 30 and 31
Register today for the new clinical dementia training series starting this month. The training supports dementia screening, diagnosis, and care for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. These skills-focused webinars share practical tools your team can use right away. The IHS Alzheimer’s Program offers training sessions for I/T/U:
- Nurses
- Community Health Representatives
- Providers
- Dentists
- Behavioral health staff
- Pharmacy staff
“Review of Advances in Medication and Research” is one of our first training sessions and a great learning opportunity for all clinical disciplines.
Visit the training website to register.
