Culturally safer cognitive testing and dementia case-finding for older First Nations adults (September 26, 2023)

Presented by: Megan O'Connell and Jennifer Walker 

Occupational therapists have clinical exposure with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit older adults but might not have much training on how culture, factors related to past and present colonialism, and language interacts with standardized cognitive testing. The Canadian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (CICA) tool was developed as a culturally sensitive dementia screening tool (I-CAARE, 2021).

This webinar will highlight the importance of a First Nations-specific approach to cognitive assessment. This webinar will also describe the rationale for the development of the Canadian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (CICA) tool, the work done to create the CICA, its evidence for validity, and how appropriate use of the tool can contribute to improved dementia diagnosis and surveillance.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Understand the need for using a culturally relevant tool and understand the limitations associated with using currently available cognitive assessment tools.
2. Learn about why the CICA is a culturally relevant tool, developed with First Nations communities that takes language, culture, and trauma into account.
3. Understand why the use of CICA may lead to earlier, more accurate identification of cognitive impairment and improved health outcomes for older First Nations adults.

Level  Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)

Area of practice Acute care, Brain injury/concussion/spinal cord, Cognition, Dementia, Equity & justice, Indigenous health, Older adults

Client age group Adults (20-64 yrs), Older adults (65+ yrs)

Language English

Please note that you will have access to the On-Demand Webinar for a period of one year or until the webinar expiry date listed in the CAOT Store, whichever is sooner. The terminology used in this webinar is reflective of the CAOT Style Guide at time of the webinar.