Practising brain health through traditional teachings and arts: A project funded by the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The loss of Indigenous culture in Canada through colonial interventions such as Residential Schools and the 60's Scoop have left Indigenous Peoples and communities with deep-rooted trauma. This type of trauma, in addition to the social isolation of living in remote communities, places Indigenous populations at risk for developing dementia. There is a need to increase opportunities for aging Indigenous populations to engage in social interaction that is culturally-relevant and based in Traditional ways and culture. METHOD: Morning Star Lodge, an Indigenous Health Research lab, has developed workshops for aging Indigenous adults who are at risk for developing dementia and their caregiver(s) to engage in traditional activities such as: games, arts and crafts, prayer (smudging). Research circles were conducted with Indigenous community members aging in place along with their caregiver(s) to discuss their perceived impacts on social functioning and cognitive health. RESULT: The community members engaged in social interaction through Indigenous languages and story-sharing. Traditional Knowledges and teachings were also weaved into the project design as many aging individuals expressed a feeling of isolation from cultural events and ceremonies due to immobility or lack of assistance with transportation, other needs, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the data collected via an Indigenous, community-led qualitative data analysis method the research team was able to identify central themes regarding practising Traditional arts and the cognitive health benefits that caregivers would like integrated in their communities. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term benefits of health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples living with dementia and the effects on caregiver stress. Indigenous caregivers have expressed a desire for Traditional arts and teachings in their communities to alleviate stressors caused by dementia.