Risk, protective, and biomarkers of dementia in Indigenous peoples: A systematic review

Dementia is an emergent health priority for Indigenous peoples worldwide, yet little is known about disease drivers and protective factors.

Database searches were conducted in March 2022 to identify original publications on risk, protective, genetic, neuroradiological, and biological factors related to dementia and cognitive impairment involving Indigenous peoples.

Modifiable risk factors featured across multiple studies include childhood adversity, hearing loss, low education attainment, unskilled work history, stroke, head injury, epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, depression, low BMI, poor mobility, and continence issues. Non-modifiable risk factors included increasing age, sex, and genetic polymorphisms. Education, ex-smoking, physical and social activity, and engagement with cultural or religious practices were highlighted as potential protective factors. There is a paucity of research on dementia biomarkers involving Indigenous peoples.

Greater understanding of modifiable factors and biomarkers of dementia can assist in strength-based models to promote healthy ageing and cognition for Indigenous peoples.