Interweaving Indigenous and Western Concepts of Dementia

Abstract

This essay discusses the causes and meaning of dementia for Alaska Native dementia caregivers and Native and non-Native providers from across the state of Alaska. This piece highlights Indigenous concepts of dementia, specifically concerning the causes and meaning of the disease, and how they differ from Western concepts of dementia. The essay encourages an honoring of and respect for the lived experiences of people in Indigenous communities who are living with dementia or caring for those who have dementia. It also highlights both Indigenous and Western systems of knowledge related to dementia and discusses how they can work together to increase awareness, education, and treatment for dementia.