Elder Wisdom: Hula program to support brain health for older Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults
IKE Kapuna (Elder Wisdom) Project
This project will try a culturally tailored Hula dance program to help older Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults lower vascular risks and keep thinking skills sharp.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173692 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a community-based Hula program adapted for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander elders that combines dance, social activity, and health education. The team will partner with five local community organizations across Hawai‘i to deliver the program and follow participants over time. Outcomes will include blood pressure changes, measures of memory and thinking, and other markers linked to dementia risk. Sessions are designed to be culturally meaningful and accessible for older adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults, especially those aged 65 and up or those with high blood pressure or early memory concerns.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, severe mobility or cardiac limitations that prevent participation in dance, or those not living in Hawai‘i are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help delay or prevent dementia by lowering blood pressure and supporting cognitive health through a culturally familiar activity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team showed their Hula program lowered blood pressure in NHPIs, and other dance interventions have shown benefits for cognition and vascular risk factors, but tailored trials for NHPIs are limited.
Where this research is happening
Pullman, United States
- Washington State University — Pullman, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaholokula, Joseph Keawe'aimoku — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Kaholokula, Joseph Keawe'aimoku
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.