The International Indigenous Dementia Research Network Annual Conference

The first ever International Indigenous Dementia Research Network Annual Conference series addresses a critical need to advance knowledge, discovery, and scientific collaboration in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) in Indigenous populations. American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN), Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, First Nations in Canada, and Indigenous peoples in Australia all experience a significant health equity gap reflected in the rates of ADRD. Moreover, these racial disparities are expected to expand in all Indigenous populations; for example, the prevalence of ADRD in AI/AN populations is projected to increase almost 6-fold by 2060. Indigenous ADRD research is an emerging field, and the number of studies is increasing. In the US, Indigenous people have been referred to as an invisible minority in relation to ADRD research, but there is a core group of researchers working with Indigenous populations on dementia all over the world. These scientists utilize community-based and Indigenous research methods to address dementia specific topics such as caregiving, screening and diagnosis, and culturally safe care. Unfortunately, little attention is given to these studies in mainstream conferences and knowledge exchange has been limited. There is currently no equitable venue for academics and communities studying dementia in Indigenous populations to come together and share scientific and Indigenous knowledge in a way that is comparable to other disciplines or disease focused research areas. The consequence of this structural inequity is slow progression of the field and researchers working in isolation, which leads to inadequately informed health care and poor policy preparation for the growing prevalence of dementia in Indigenous communities. To remedy this situation, we will implement a 5-year conference series focused on ADRD in Indigenous populations by bringing together current members of the International Indigenous Dementia Research Network (IIDRN) along with other leading scientists, policy makers, Indigenous Elders, Indigenous communities and organizations, people living with dementia, and trainees to exchange information on current research and advancements concerning ADRD in the context of health equity. The IIDRN is a network of over 100 members from seven countries. Recognizing that ADRD in Indigenous populations is still a developing field of research, these annual conferences will build and support research capacity, facilitate the development of national and international research collaborations, and sustain scientific advancement in Indigenous dementia research. Key components will include featured research sessions, keynote speakers, Elder involvement, mentorship, and volunteered papers and posters. Our long-term goal is to create an expanded, sustainable, supportive, worldwide network of scholars committed to knowledge exchange and collaboration to advance research, knowledge, and mentorship in community-based, culturally appropriate ADRD research with Indigenous populations.