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P3‐407: Educating Patients and Care Partners about Mild Cognitive Impairment, APOE, and Alzheimer's Disease: Findings from the Reveal Study
Author(s) -
Le Lan Q.,
Bartnik Natalie J.,
Christensen Kurt D.,
Uhlmann Wendy R.,
Karlawish Jason,
Green Robert C.,
Roberts J. Scott
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.06.2073
Subject(s) - medicine , disease , cognitive impairment , intervention (counseling) , clinical psychology , cognition , apolipoprotein e , psychology , physical therapy , gerontology , psychiatry
an increasing challenge for health care systems at all levels. Our research team’s previous work resulted in the development of evidence-based culturally grounded health promotion material for First Nations people in Canada. Our current project aims to understand the implications of Indigenous cultural diversity on the effectiveness of the materials. To do this we undertook a process of refinement of the materials from a national level focus to a regional focus with the goal of improving cultural relevance at the local level. Methods:Our approach was community-based and participatory. Working with the N’Swaakamok Native Friendship Centre, an Aboriginal advisory group was developed to guide the research. We conducted a qualitative study including 2 focus groups (n1⁄48) with older adults aged 55 and over and 4 one-onone interview sessions with caregivers of a person with Alzheimer’s disease or age-related dementia. An iterative, thematic data analysis utilizing NVIVO 10 software to organize the data assisted in making meaning. Member checking through transcript reviews and a larger group session was completed to validate the thematic analysis. Results: A significant finding suggests that Aboriginal caregivers and older adults prefer developing a connection with an educated health care professional in order to receive dementia education. This can be done through face-to-face contact by means of family-centred group sessions. These sessions should be supplemented by dementia health promotion material that is organized into the Medicine Wheel. We draw upon the Seven Grandfather Teachings to exemplify how individuals can apply this knowledge in their lives. This research study resulted in two culturally relevant dementia health promotion fact sheets that are locally-specific for the Aboriginal peoples of the City of Greater Sudbury. Aboriginal people have contributed to evidence-based research and knowledge translation. Conclusions:Developing health promotion materials for Indigenous populations requires evidence-informed approaches. While it is desirable to have tools and resources that can be shared nationally, it is important that those tools leave room for local adaptation in order to improve uptake and effectiveness. Culturallygrounded tools hold the potential to improve dementia health literacy and increase cultural safety.