Culturally safe, trauma-informed approach to cognitive impairment and dementia in older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The population of older (age ≥50 years) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is increasing, and the rate of dementia in this group is three to fivefold higher than in the general population. A high prevalence of risk factors across the life course likely contributes to these rates. OBJECTIVE: This paper highlights practical ways to apply best practice principles when addressing the detection of cognitive impairment and dementia in older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and its management in the context of a person's family, carers and community. DISCUSSION: Recognising culture, the collective nature of family and community decision making for a person, the ways to uphold respect for Elders and a trauma-informed approach are fundamental to the care of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cognitive impairment and dementia.