The “Building our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s” Act, also known as the “BOLD Act”, was passed by Congress in December 2018. The primary goal of the BOLD Act is to develop a national public health infrastructure focused on increasing early detection and diagnosis, risk reduction, prevention of avoidable hospitalizations, and supporting dementia care-giving.
The BOLD Act specifically supports brain health in Indian Country by authorizing the CDC to provide technical assistance, education support, funding, and data on dementia for Tribal brain health efforts. You can learn more about the BOLD Act and specific activities here.
The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) was established over 20 years ago to respond to the need for community-driven diabetes prevention programming for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Since its inception SDPI has become among the most successful diabetes prevention programs ever implemented, and serves as a useful model both for diabetes programs nationwide and public health programs in Indian Country.
The highest estimated prevalence of diabetes are for AI/AN between 64-75 years and over 75 years of age. Type 2 diabetes has been linked to the development of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. Managing dementia can support your physical and brain health. Community-driven programs such as those supported by SDPI can deliver culturally-tailored, important information on diabetes prevention and living a healthy, balanced life with diabetes for AI/AN.
Learn more about SDPI here.
The Older Americans Act of 1965 provided funding mechanisms for programs, services, research, and training for matters concerning older persons. The Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs in the Office of in the Administration on Aging oversees administration. In 1978, the Older Americans Act was amended to include Title VI which funds nutrition and supportive services specifically for American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. This program was later expanded to include caregiver support services.
Eligible Tribal organizations receive grants in support of the delivery of home- and community-based supportive services for their elders. The Authorizing Legislation comes from Sections 613, 623 and 631 of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended.
The Older American Acts has been reauthorized many time by Congress, most recently with the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020.
Learn more about the OAA and Title VI Program here.
Established an Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care, and Services through 2025 which included a designee from the Indian Health Service. Learn more here.
The RAISE Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a national strategy to provide education and training, long-term services and supports, and financial stability and security for caregivers. Learn more about the RAISE act here.
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