Improving Dementia Assessment for American Indigenous Communities
Addressing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Disparities: The American Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (AMICA) Project
This work aims to create better, culturally sensitive ways to identify Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in American Indigenous communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089469 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on adapting and validating new, culturally appropriate cognitive tests for dementia specifically for American Indigenous populations in the United States. We are taking successful assessment tools developed in Canada and Australia and carefully adjusting them to fit the unique cultural contexts of diverse American Indian communities. This is important because current dementia tests may not be accurate for Indigenous individuals due to cultural differences, which can lead to misdiagnosis and unequal care. Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to fair and accurate dementia diagnosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is relevant for American Indigenous adults aged 21 and older who may be experiencing or at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients who are not part of American Indigenous communities or who do not have concerns about dementia may not directly benefit from this specific assessment tool development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate and fair dementia diagnoses for American Indigenous individuals, helping them receive appropriate care sooner.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon and adapts existing Indigenous cognitive assessment tools that have been developed and used in Canada and Australia.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacklin, Kristen — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Jacklin, Kristen
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.