Bridging Gaps in Memory Care for Rural and Indigenous Communities

In many rural and underserved regions, especially among Native American populations, early signs of dementia often go unnoticed or unrecognized. Limited access to specialized healthcare means symptoms can be mistaken for normal age-related forgetfulness, delaying diagnosis and intervention.

To address this challenge, a pioneering study led by associate professor of psychology Eric Cerino, along with assistant professor of social work Megan McCoy and associate teaching professor of social work Michael McCarthy, aims to bring early detection and research opportunities directly into these communities. The Northern Arizona Memory Study is conducting free brain health workshops, cognitive screenings, and providing information on maintaining brain function, all within rural areas of northern Arizona, including outreach efforts with the Hopi community.

Cerino describes northern Arizona as a "memory care desert," highlighting the scarcity of clinics capable of providing proper diagnoses—often only available in distant urban centers like Prescott. By traveling to local community centers, the team offers services that include cognitive assessments and educational resources on how to improve brain health at home, helping to identify those at risk of developing dementia.

Participants targeted by this initiative are those experiencing subjective cognitive decline—recognition of memory changes—and individuals with mild cognitive impairment who may forget important dates or misplace items more frequently.

This research aims to identify subtle cognitive deficits that might otherwise go unnoticed, with the hope that early interventions can slow or prevent the progression to Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. According to Cerino, early detection is crucial since dementia manifests as various cognitive challenges, such as concentration issues and memory lapses, that interfere with daily functioning.

Promoting social connections and healthy lifestyle choices form a key part of the preventative strategy. Cerino emphasizes that staying socially active, engaging in new experiences, maintaining proper nutrition—including green vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids—and getting regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of dementia.

The team also hosted the inaugural Hopi Dementia Education Symposium, engaging over 100 Hopi caregivers and community members to share resources and raise awareness. The symposium was organized in partnership with local tribal offices and health organizations, aiming to foster better understanding and support networks for those facing dementia.

Research findings from this study will contribute to a broader understanding of how to support memory health in rural populations. It also aligns with global efforts highlighted by initiatives like The Lancet Commission, which estimates that nearly half of dementia cases are preventable through modifiable lifestyle factors. For future generations, fostering mental resilience and social engagement could be key to reducing dementia's impact.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-bridges-memory.html