Applying Culturally Tailored Approaches to Dementia Risk Reduction in First Nations Communities: A Continuous Quality Improvement Framework

Author : Sarah Russell

Abstract :Background: Dementia risk is significantly higher in First Nations communities, with rates up to f ive times greater than the general population. Culturally appropriate interventions in primary health care are crucial to address this disparity. Methods: A decolonising approach was used to develop and implement dementia risk reduction strategies in one urban and three rural Queensland communities, Australia. Aboriginal Participatory Action Research (APAR) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) methods guided the study. Data were collected through research yarning with stakeholders, including community members, health staff, and service providers. Health records were reviewed, and clinical processes were mapped to inform interventions. Feedback from the community helped shape the strategies, which were refined through CQI cycles over three years using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model. Evaluation focused on process, impact, and sustainability using the RE-AIM framework. Results: Four key dementia-related goals were achieved: (i) increasing screening and assessment rates for cognitive impairment; (ii) enhancing staff capacity for dementia care; (iii) empowering communities to recognize and address dementia risks through education; and (iv) co-developing health promotion strategies for broader Indigenous populations. Indigenous leadership and collaboration with health professionals and community members were central to these outcomes

Keywords :Dementia risk reduction, First Nations health, Aboriginal participatory action research Culturally appropriate care, Indigenous leadership, community empowerment, Australia

Conference Name :International Conference on Healthy and Active Aging (ICHAA-25)

Conference Place Glasgow, UK

Conference Date 5th Aug 2025