2024-01-22 19:35:38
Alzheimer’s disease, cerebrovascular disease, degeneration… Within the next 30 years, neurocognitive disorders in Canada will represent a growing public health problem among Aboriginal people. Nearly four times more will be affected, a higher increase than for the general Canadian population, according to a new report from the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
The growing number of elderly Indigenous people, health disparities, social inequalities and even the stress caused by racism can increase the risk of developing a cognitive disorder, according to a report entitled The many facets of neurocognitive disorders in Canada.
In Canada, more than 650,000 people live with a neurocognitive disorder, including 10,800 Indigenous people. By 2050, the latter number is expected to increase by 273% to reach 40,300. For the Canadian population as a whole, the figure is expected to see a smaller increase, 187%.
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Indigenous people in Ontario and Quebec will experience the largest increases in neurocognitive disorders over the next three decades, followed by Indigenous people in British Columbia and Alberta.
These estimates for Indigenous populations should be viewed with caution, as data for Indigenous people is still limited and/or imprecise, whether they live in cities or in remote communities.
In order to have sufficient, up-to-date data, taking into account historical, cultural and socio-economic experiences, the study indicates that future research on the subject must be centered on Aboriginal people and led by Aboriginal people.
Colonisation et troubles neurocognitifs
As with the rest of the population, as the population ages, the number of Indigenous people affected by these health problems and the challenges that accompany it – cognitive decline, loss of memory, autonomy, etc. will increase. – will continue to increase.
However, the authors write, Indigenous people also face barriers to accessing health services and receiving support. Many social determinants of neurocognitive disorders also play a major role in this problem.
The report indicates that colonization is a root cause associated with the risk of neurocognitive disorders and other health problems among Indigenous populations. Citing various reports and specialists, the authors note that late-onset diabetes, low level of education early in life or even depression considerably increase the risk of neurocognitive disorders.
However, Indigenous people find themselves more affected by these conditions, particularly because of colonial disruptions and collective trauma.
Due to many impacts of colonialism, Indigenous populations in Canada are at increased risk of neurocognitive disorders associated with social determinants of health – the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age […] – and over which individuals exercise little control.
Non-medical factors such as income, education, employment, food security, housing and social exclusion also have significant repercussions on health.
The same goes for social conditions, which also have a direct impact on stress levels. However, high levels of stress have direct repercussions on the brain, indicates the report. Cliff Whetung, a member of the Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario and a doctoral candidate at New York University, found that discrimination experienced in everyday life was associated with more negative cognitive outcomes, the report said.
Finally, access to health care concerns authors who are concerned about the existence of racism against Aboriginal people in health care and its consequences.
Despite data indicating a higher prevalence of neurocognitive disorders among Indigenous people, underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis remain major concerns given structural barriers and health systems that are under-resourced and ill-equipped to respond to populations indigenous people, it is stated in the report.
Among the measures recommended in the report are recognition of Indigenous people’s right to health, support for Indigenous leadership, and the integration of cultural safety and humility into health care and research. Finally, we need more support for Indigenous people so that they can conduct research and create resources on care related to cognitive disorders.
According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, this is one of the first studies that seeks to better understand the many facets of neurocognitive disorders and to find equitable solutions to the difficulties associated with them, so that no one is left behind.
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