Clinical Dementia Training Series Reaches Nearly 200 Providers Across the Country

The Indian Health Service Alzheimer’s Program’s Clinical Dementia Training Series reached a major milestone this year in delivering practical, culturally grounded dementia education to clinical and community health staff serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. 

Since its January launch, the series has held more than 70 sessions across six health care disciplines, including: 

• Primary Care Providers
• Nurses
• Dental Professionals
• Pharmacy Professionals
• Community Health Representatives
• Behavioral Health Specialists

Participation has grown steadily. The series reached approximately 687 registrants, including live in-person sessions offered at the March IHS Alzheimer’s and Elder Health Summit in Denver. This indicates a strong demand for accessible dementia-care training.

Based on these trainings, clinicians have reported plans to change how they support people living with dementia. Many intend to screen for cognitive changes more often, look for symptoms earlier, strengthen caregiver education, talk more clearly with patients and families, and more fully incorporate patients’ culture and personal history into their care.

Attendees shared positive feedback about the structure of the sessions, as well, including:

• “This session was straightforward and clear.”
• “The presentation was very educational.”
• “This helped me understand the barriers that are out there.”

Presenters called the series meaningful, noting it fills a real gap in useful, easy-to-access dementia education for IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian health programs. 

Survey results further highlight the positive impact the trainings had:

• 100% rated the sessions and presenters as effective.
• 99% found the content relevant and culturally appropriate.
• 97% reported increased dementia care knowledge.
• 95% reported greater confidence in caring for people living with dementia.
• 90% identified a specific change they intend to make in practice.

All sessions are recorded and will be available on the IHS YouTube channel and Alzheimer’s Program website, and IHS employees will be able to access content in the Learning Management System this fall. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months on how to access the training.

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Dementia Care Pathway Supports Early Detection and Diagnosis

On August 27, staff from Kentucky’s Office of Dementia Services and a regional Dementia Care Specialist will share how ACL funding helped launch the Bridging the Gap Dementia Care Specialist Initiative, expanding dementia capable services statewide. 

They’ll highlight how the program placed Dementia Care Specialists in Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living, increased access to respite and assistive technology, created Memory Cafés, and built community partnerships to better support people living with dementia and their care partners.

Register for this upcoming webinar by August 27. If you have questions, email NADRC-Webinars@rti.org.