American Indian, Alaska Native, and

Culturally Inclusive Language in Alzheimer’s Disease

and Related Dementias State Plans

This guide is a resource to aid in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) policy and planning for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribal communities and their leaders, and state and local public health entities. Language about ADRD and engagement practices referencing American Indian and Alaska Native populations and communities were identified in 18 existing states’ Alzheimer’s plans. This language forms the context for and the structure of this guide. This document contains word-for-word excerpts (only edited for format) from current state Alzheimer’s and dementia plans that are inclusive of “American Indian” and/or “Alaska Native” and other culturally relevant terms (see methods section). While these 18 plans include some type of culturally inclusive language or reference, only 8 of the 18 plans include population-specific language. Specific dementia topics are used to organize the content, and an index of high-frequency keywords and phrases is included.​

This document is not meant to be guidance or a compilation of best practices. Instead, it indexes current language that is used in existing state plans that may be useful in considering future modifications to such state Alzheimer’s and dementia plans, the development of new state ADRD plans, or the creation of tribal-specific plans. This can also be useful for other efforts to be inclusive of indigenous peoples in Alzheimer’s and dementia-related strategic products.. Copies can also be requested for printing if needed.